Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo woman, who worked as a teacher's aide at OLV Victory Learning Center, is facing charges related to an incident last October where she allegedly grabbed two autistic students.
According to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, 41-year-old Chanel Willis allegedly grabbed, shoved and slapped the students back on Oct. 10, both of whom are autistic and also have non-verbal communications issues.
Willis was fired from her job in early November.
OLV Victory Learning Center, located on Ridge Road in Lackawanna, specializes on working with students suffering from autism, cognitive disabilities and mental health issues.
During her Feb. 25 arraignment in Lackawanna City Court, Willis was charged with three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. She pled not guilty.
The court also issued a temporary order of protection that prohibits Willis from making contact with either the students or their family.
A pre-trial conference has been set for April 15.