WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) – We’re learning more details surrounding a former Manawa School District special education teacher charged with abusing an autistic student.
David Bessette is charged with physical abuse of a child and causing mental harm to a child after an incident in January with a 13-year-old boy.
Prosecutors say Bessette dragged the boy by the arm and sprinkled water on the boy’s clothes. His mother told investigators that her son has sensory processing disorder and doesn’t like wet clothing touching his skin.
Witnesses say the boy immediately ran away and tried taking his clothes off.
According to the criminal complaint, Bessette told school officials he was trying to get the boy to return to a classroom. He said he got his hand wet in a drinking fountain and didn’t intend to get the boy wet. Bessette conceded that the water splashed on the boy got him moving.
School leaders fired Bessette back in February from his job at the Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School.
Bessette is due back in court for his initial appearance June 21. If convicted, he faces up to 16 years in prison.
