A Massachusetts woman who works as a special education teacher in Bridgewater is accused of physically abusing three pre-kindergarten students in her care, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Crews. Kathryn A. Rousseau, 56, of Taunton, was charged Tuesday. In Brockton District Court, she was charged with three counts of assault and battery on a person with an intellectual disability. Rousseau is a special education preschool teacher at Mitchell Elementary School in Bridgewater, according to the school's website. On March 14, the parents of a 4-year-old preschool student at Mitchell Elementary School turned themselves in to Bridgewater police after the incident, Cruz said. A report filed by Mitchell Elementary School staff accuses Rousseau of grabbing the student's mouth with his hand, leaving marks and cuts. Bridgewater police then began an investigation and Rousseau, who had been a teacher for 18 years, was placed on administrative leave from the school, Cruz said. In a statement shared with Bridgewater-Raynham Regional Schools News Center 5, district Superintendent Ryan Powers said the district immediately placed Rousseau on administrative leave after learning of the allegations. Powers said the school district conducted its own investigation, and the Bridgewater Police Department and Massachusetts DCF also opened investigations. Cruz said investigators determined Rousseau grabbed a second student by the mouth and force-fed another student, causing the student to vomit. Investigators said Rousseau communicated to students' parents that their children's injuries were self-inflicted through daily updates about their students' behavior and progress in class. Investigators said the incident of physical abuse was witnessed by other staff members at Mitchell Elementary School. Cruz said Bridgewater police requested and obtained a warrant for Rousseau's arrest as a result of the investigation, and the investigation is ongoing. She was taken into custody at her home in Taunton on Tuesday. “These allegations and charges are disturbing,” Powers said in a statement. “The district is committed to the well-being of our students, staff, and staff. We would love to answer your questions, but due to ongoing legal proceedings, we are limited in what we can share.” Rousseau District Prosecutors said Cruz pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance on the condition that he have no contact with students, their families or witnesses, and that he stay away from Mitchell Elementary School. Rousseau's next court appearance is scheduled for May 14, she said.
A Massachusetts woman who works as a special education teacher in Bridgewater is accused of physically abusing three pre-kindergarten students in her care, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Crews.
Kathryn A. Rousseau, 56, of Taunton, was charged Tuesday in Brockton District Court with three counts of assault and battery on an intellectually disabled person. Rousseau is a special education kindergarten teacher at Mitchell Elementary School in Bridgewater, according to the school's website.
Mr. Cruz was arrested at Bridgewater Police Department on March 14 after the parent of a 4-year-old preschool student at Mitchell Elementary School reported to the Bridgewater Police Department that a school employee had reported suspected abuse or neglect against Mr. Rousseau. He said he visited Water Police Station. State Department of Children and Families.
A report filed by staff at Mitchell Elementary School said Rousseau grabbed the student's mouth with his hand, leaving marks or cuts on the student's lips.
Bridgewater police then began an investigation and Rousseau, who had taught for 18 years, was placed on administrative leave from the school, Cruz said.
Cruz said investigators determined that Rousseau grabbed a second student by the mouth and force-fed another student, causing the student to vomit.
Investigators said Rousseau communicated to students' parents that their children's injuries were self-inflicted through daily updates about their students' behavior and progress in class.
Investigators said the incident of physical abuse was witnessed by other employees at Mitchell Elementary School.
Crews said Bridgewater police requested and obtained a warrant for Rousseau's arrest as a result of the investigation, and the investigation is ongoing. She was taken into custody at her home in Taunton on Tuesday.
The district attorney said Rousseau pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance on the condition that he have no contact with students, their families or witnesses, and that he stay away from Mitchell Elementary School.
Cruz said Rousseau's next court appearance is scheduled for May 14.