A 57-year-old New Jersey teacher has been arrested after allegedly taping a 9-year-old student’s head to his desk and leaving the child restrained for nearly an hour. Todd J. Lewis was arrested on Wednesday and charged with one count of second-degree endangerment of a child, according to authorities.
Lewis’ teacher’s aide, 67-year-old Sallyann Scala, was summoned on one count of fourth-degree cruelty and neglect of children for allegedly failing to help the young victim.
According to a news release from the Pompton Lakes Police Department, on October 31, 2024, the 9-year-old victim informed officers about the incident that occurred earlier that month at Lenox Elementary School. The department then notified detectives from the Special Victims Unit about the child’s claim.
The victim told detectives that Lewis “had placed masking tape around the back of the student’s neck and secured it to the student’s desk for approximately 40–50 minutes,” according to the release. During that time, Scala was allegedly “present in the classroom and failed to intervene.”
Authorities did not explain why Lewis allegedly taped the student to the desk.
“Mr. Lewis’s sentencing exposure is five to ten years in New Jersey State Prison on second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child,” a release read. “Ms. Scala’s sentencing exposure us up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison on fourth-degree Abuse and Neglect of Children.”
On Thursday, Lewis appeared in court for Central Judicial Processing proceedings and was released from custody “pending trial on monitoring.” Lewis’ release condition prohibits him from contacting any minor children, including the victim.
On Wednesday, officers served Scala with the summons complaint.
“We want to assure our parents, students, staff, and the school community that we are working closely with law enforcement to ensure our students’ safety and security,” district Superintendent Paul Amoroso said in a statement.
“The employees were placed on leave when this matter was brought to the attention of the school administration, and measures have been taken to ensure that the individuals will not have access to the school premises.
