A New Jersey elementary school teacher faces serious allegations after reportedly using masking tape to restrain a nine-year-old student to his desk. The incident, which allegedly occurred in October at Lenox Elementary School, involved teacher Todd Lewis and teacher's aide Sallyann Scala. The student reported being taped to his desk by the neck for approximately 40-50 minutes while Scala was present but did not intervene.
Lewis, 57, has been charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested and subsequently released pending trial under monitoring, with a specific condition of no contact with children. Scala, 67, faces a charge of fourth-degree abuse and neglect of children and received a summons complaint. If found guilty, Lewis faces a potential prison sentence of five to ten years, while Scala could face up to 18 months.
Both Lewis and Scala have been placed on leave by the school district and are barred from school grounds. Superintendent Paul Amoroso assured the school community that they are collaborating closely with law enforcement to ensure student safety and security.
