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In a heartbreaking case that has left the community outraged, two Baldwinsville teacher’s aides have been arrested following allegations of mistreating a 15-year-old disabled student at Durgee Junior High School.
According to Baldwinsville police, Kimberly S. Harrison, 57, and Timberly L. Woods, 36, were arrested on Thursday after an investigation into an incident that occurred on January 23.
Harrison, who was responsible for assisting the student, is accused of handling him roughly while strapping him into his wheelchair, causing bruising and pain. Adding to the tragedy, Woods, who witnessed the alleged abuse, failed to report it to school officials, despite being a mandated reporter under the law.
The student, identified as Lucas Delgatto, has cerebral palsy and relies entirely on a wheelchair for mobility, as he is unable to use his hands or legs. His mother’s boyfriend, Paul Kekevian, said they only learned about the alleged mistreatment when police interviewed Lucas.
Kekevian described the devastating ordeal, revealing that the incident happened while Harrison was changing Lucas’s diaper. Frustrated, she reportedly left him without a diaper, improperly clothed him, and then forcefully placed him back into his wheelchair.
“He has a very limited lifespan, so we’re trying to make what he has a good experience for him,” Kekevian said. “And obviously, we’re failing him… but the only thing I can do now is advocate for him.”
Harrison has been charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or disabled person, a felony. Woods faces a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct for failing to report the alleged abuse.
Both women have been placed on administrative leave and are scheduled to appear in Baldwinsville Village Court later this month.
This heartbreaking case raises serious concerns about the safety and treatment of vulnerable students in special education programs. Parents and community members are now demanding stricter oversight and accountability to protect children with disabilities from abuse.
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