WARE SHOALS, S.C. -- A former Greenwood County bus driver was charged with cruelty to children, after deputies said she used duct tape to control rowdy students.

Deputies said eight children have come forward and said that Helen Curry asked them to put duct tape on their mouths. One child also claimed to have had his hands tied up with duct tape, as well.

Curry spoke with FOX Carolina’s Lidia St. Mark on Thursday. She said she admits that using the duct tape was poor judgment on her part.

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“I would never hurt a child,” Curry said. “For them to say I’m cruel to children is really painful. It really does hurt.”

Curry, a mother herself, said at most the children would have the tape on them for about three to five minutes.

Deputies said the victims were boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 12. They said the incidents happened between November and February.

If convicted, Curry faces a fine of up to $1,600. Deputies said it is unlikely Curry would spend any time in jail.

Curry was removed from her position with the school district.