POMPTON LAKES, N.J. (TMX) – A teacher and a teacher’s aide from Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, are facing charges after a 9-year-old student’s head was allegedly taped to a desk. The incident, which reportedly took place in early October, has led to charges against both the teacher, Todd Lewis, 57, and the aide, Sallyann Scala, 67.
According to the Pompton Lakes Police Department and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the school’s Special Victims Unit detectives were alerted on October 31 by the young student, who claimed that Lewis had wrapped masking tape around the back of his neck and attached it to the desk, forcing him to remain in that position for around 40 to 50 minutes. Scala, who was present in the classroom during the incident, allegedly failed to intervene.
Following a thorough 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 having contact with any minor children. Scala was issued a summons complaint on Wednesday and charged with one count of fourth-degree abuse and neglect of children.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided.
