POMPTON LAKES, N.J. (TMX) – A New Jersey teacher and a teacher’s aide are facing charges after a young student’s head was allegedly taped to a desk, officials said.
Lenox Elementary School teacher Todd Lewis, 57, was charged by warrant and teacher’s aide Sallyann Scala, 67, was charged by summons, the Pompton Lakes Police Department and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office said in a joint statement Thursday.
Police said its Special Victims Unit Detectives were notified on Oct. 31 that a 9-year-old student had disclosed that earlier that month, Lewis placed masking tape around the back of his neck and secured it to his desk for around 40 or 50 minutes. Scala was allegedly in the room and failed to intervene.
Following an investigation, Lewis was charged with one count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He appeared in court on Thursday and was released pending trial, with conditions that he be monitored and prohibited from contact with any minor children.
Scala was served with a summons complaint on Wednesday. She was charged with one count of fourth-degree abuse and neglect of children.
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