Investigation grows in assault accusations

Investigation grows in assault accusations

AUSTINTOWN

The investigation into accusations of assault by two teacher assistants at Leonard Kirtz School of a 16-year-old autistic child has reached another level.

A third investigation, this time by Mahoning County Children Services, has begun along with an investigation by the school and by the Austintown Police Department, according to Ronald Iarussi, superintendent of the Mahoning County Educational Services Center.

The MCESC operates the classroom outside of which the boy was allegedly assaulted.

The center also had a meeting with the school supervisors and statements have been taken from all involved parties, Iarussi said.

The school investigation will be on hold until Children Services finishes its investigation, according to Iarussi.

All staff is required to go through restraint and seclusion training because they are working with special-needs students, Iarussi said and the ESC staff goes through state and FBI background checks, Iarussi said.