Providence School Employee Charged With Assaulting Students

Providence Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of Eric Andrews, a Providence School Department employee, in connection with a series of assaults on students at the Martin Luther King Elementary School. 

Andrews was arrested in East Providence and charged with 18 counts of simple assault on 14 victims at the school, all aged 10 or 11 years old. The assaults happened during the 2009-2010 school year, and the start of school in 2010, through April 2011.

Andrews is to be charged in Providence District Court Tuesday afternoon.

Providence Schools spokesperson Christina O'Reilly released this statement Tuesday:

 Providence Schools has learned of charges being brought against an instructional assistant employed by us, after allegations of assaults involving students. Upon notification of these allegations, the district immediately placed the individual on administrative leave pending the result of an internal investigation, which was then turned over to police. Due to the legal nature of this matter, we are unable to comment further on the particulars of this case at this time.

The district regards any and all allegations of mistreatment of children with utmost seriousness. The adults employed in our schools are entrusted with the education and care of our students; the betrayal of that trust, if found to be validated, is reprehensible. Our students' well-being is always top priority, and we make resources and time available immediately to any student wishing to speak with a guidance counselor, social worker or other trusted adult as a result of this situation or any other.

We'll have more on this story on ABC6 News at 5PM.