North Rockland Special Ed Teacher Faces Abuse Charges

A North Rockland special ed teacher who is said to have locked a student in a classroom at Stony Point Elementary School as a disciplinary measure now faces several child abuse charges, according to ABC News 7.

Garnerville resident Yessenia Vasquez was arrested Thursday by Stony Point police following a complaint to the New York State Child Abuse Hotline last month after she returned to work following an internal investigation.

Vasquez faces charges about four children: endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person - child and endangering the welfare of a minor and harassment, as well as one count of unlawful imprisonment.

North Rockland schools Superintendent Ileana Eckert released a statement:

The North Rockland Central School District has learned of the arrest of Special Education School teacher Yessenia Vasquez.
The criminal charges stem from a series of incidents that allegedly occurred in her classroom in 2016.This is an unfortunate matter, and the District is extremely disturbed by these allegations.

The Superintendent first learned of possible wrongdoing on December 8, 2016 and immediately launched an internal investigation. This probe involved interviews with numerous staff members, including those present at the time of the alleged incidents. On advice of counsel, Ms. Vasquez was placed on administrative leave at that time. The matter was investigated and handled administratively. All appropriate procedures were followed by the District.

The North Rockland Central School District is cooperating fully with the police investigation and will continue to provide whatever resources are necessary and appropriate to complete the latest probe in an accurate and timely fashion. As always, the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority.

Vasquez has been employed by the North Rockland Central School District since 1996.

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