New York State Police say they have completed an investigation into allegations that a teacher seriously injured a student at Tioga Hills Elementary. The New York State Police Child Abuse hotline was contacted on March 18, a day after the alleged incident. The mother of the 10-year-old took him to the hospital after he complained of shoulder pain.
Vestal school district officials declined to comment on the allegations, and directed questions to state police. Yesterday, state police said the decision on whether to pursue criminal charges is in the hands of the Tioga County District Attorney. Troopers said there were two possible misdemeanor charges. Later yesterday afternoon, the Vestal School District sent a letter home to parents. The letter, signed by superintendent Mark LaRoach, said the Tioga County District Attorney’s office determined the accusations were unfounded, and that the teacher has been exonerated. The boy’s mother has taken to social media to express her outrage and post a picture of her son’s injury.