QUINCY, Mass. (AP) - The lawyer for a Massachusetts special education teacher charged with assaulting students says the allegations were made up by a disgruntled teacher’s aide.
Attorney Peter Pasciucco said Monday the police investigation into his client, 52-year-old Tricia Rossman, was “woefully inadequate.”
Rossman, who taught at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Randolph, pleaded not guilty Monday to multiple charges of assault and battery on a disabled person.
Authorities say a teacher’s aide told police Rossman “manhandled” students and yelled at them.
One staffer said she had seen Rossman drag a child and believed she hit the student in the face.
Rossman has been placed on administrative leave.
Interim Superintendent Thea Stovell says the school department is investigating.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.