Providence teacher’s aide charged with molesting autistic boy

January 11, 2016 10:47 am

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

A teaching assistant at a Providence middle school has been accused of molesting an autistic boy.

Police charged Anthony Tedeschi with second degree child molestation.

Police say they were informed of the reported assault at Esek Hopkins Middle School on October 23. The school’s principal informed police that she was approached by an occupational therapist, who works with some of the autistic students in the school, who stated she observed Tedeschi inappropriately touching the autistic boy, and heard the boy say: "Hey, don’t touch me."

Providence Public School Department released a statement Monday saying:

“This morning we were informed by the Providence Police Department that new information has emerged regarding a criminal investigation into an incident that took place on October 23, 2015. Upon learning this, the Providence School Department took immediate action to remove a Teacher’s Assistant from Esek Hopkins Middle School.

"We have since confirmed that this individual is facing charges. The employee will remain on administrative leave pending investigation.”

Tedeschi has been employed with the school district since 2002, according to a city spokesperson. In 2003, he became a special education aide, and has worked at Esek Hopkins since 2006.

Tedeschi is out on $10,000 personal recognizance bond. He is due to appear in court on March 14 for a pre-arraignment conference hearing.