The lawyer for a Massachusetts special education teacher charged with assaulting students says the allegations were made up by a disgruntled teacher's aide.
Attorney Peter Pasciucco said Monday the police investigation into his client, 52-year-old Tricia Rossman, was "woefully inadequate."
Rossman, who taught at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Randolph, pleaded not guilty Monday to multiple charges of assault and battery on a disabled person.
Authorities say a teacher's aide told police Rossman ``manhandled'' students and yelled at them.
One staffer said she had seen Rossman drag a child and believed she hit the student in the face.
Rossman has been placed on administrative leave.
Interim Superintendent Thea Stovell says the school department is investigating.
