Taunton woman accused of abusing pre-K students with disabilities in Bridgewater

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — A Taunton woman is accused of abusing three pre-K students in her care at Mitchell Elementary School in Bridgewater.

The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office said 56-year-old Kathryn Rousseau pleaded not guilty in Brockton District Court on Tuesday to three counts of assault and battery on a person with intellectual disabilities.

Officials said an investigation revealed Rousseau allegedly grabbed the mouths of two students in her care and forced-fed another, causing the child to vomit.

The investigation stemmed from a report to the Bridgewater Police Department on March 14 by a parent of one of the 4-year-old victims.

The parent told police a staffer at Mitchell Elementary filed a report of suspected abuse and neglect against Rousseau to be taken up by the Department of Children and Families.

The District Attorney’s Office said the report alleged Rousseau grabbed the 4-year-old’s mouth, leaving a cut on their lip.

An ensuing investigation by Bridgewater police revealed Rousseau was placed on administrative leave from the school and found that two other students were impacted in the alleged forced-feeding assault incident.

Authorities said Rousseau, who claimed to have 18 years of teaching experience, told parents that the marks on their children were self-inflicted.

Other staffers at the school confirmed they had witnessed the assault, and Bridgewater police took Rousseau into custody as a result of the investigation, according to officials.

The District Attorney’s Office said Rousseau was released on her own recognizance with the conditions that she have no contact with the victims or their families and stay away from the school.

Rousseau is next scheduled to appear in court on May 14.