Following a thorough review of the evidence, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has determined to prosecute the Linwood middle school teacher charged last month with assault of a student in Linwood Municipal Court, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.
According to authorities, on Feb. 10, Linwood Police responded to the Belhaven Avenue Middle School in Linwood, to investigate the alleged assault of a 12-year-old student by a teacher.
On February 15, Kimberley M. Peschi, 40, of Galloway Township, was charged with Cruelty and Neglect of Children, a 4th degree crime, and Simple Assault, a disorderly persons offense.
Peschi, a Belhaven Avenue Middle School teacher, is alleged to have stepped on the back of the student’s chair, pulling both chair and student to the ground, causing the victim to hit his head.
Based upon investigation that followed, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office decided that the interests of justice are best met by maintaining jurisdiction in Linwood Municipal Court.
Therefore, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office will prosecute the assault on the municipal level where, upon conviction, the offense carries a penalty of up to 6 months imprisonment.
Anyone with information regarding this matter is asked to contact the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 909-7800.
Photo: CBS