Malden High Staffer Accused of Raping Disabled Student

A Malden High teacher's aide pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of raping a wheelchair-bound special needs student last September.

Steven MacDonald, 46, is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a male student whom he was often required to help go to the bathroom, the Middlesex District Attorney's office said in a release.

Officials said in Middlesex Superior Court that the man repeatedly assaulted the student and threatened to kill the student's mother if he resisted. Officials also said he would use candy in an attempt to lure the student to the bathroom.

“The defendant in this case was trusted to care for and assist the student that he allegedly sexually assaulted. Such allegations, if proven, violate the trust that parents and guardians place in their children’s educators,” said District Attorney Marian Ryan.

The victim told his family and doctor in March. Malden High was notified and placed MacDonald on leave.

“The charges brought today are a result of the collaborative investigation conducted with the assistance of Malden High School and the Malden Police Department," Ryan said.

Defense attorney Alan Tuttman denied the accusations toward his client. Tuttman said the student functions at a second-grade level, according to reports.

MacDonald is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a disabled person, and one count of assault with intent to rape.

He was released on personal recognizance and ordered to stay away from the victim and his family, and to have no unsupervised contact with children under the age of 18, or volunteer or work with children under the age of 18.

The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 15.