North Las Vegas police arrested a Clark County School District teacher on Wednesday, Feb. 21, for allegedly abusing three students with autism. Rima Villaret, a special education teacher at Gilbert Academy of Creative Arts, faces three counts of child abuse or neglect and one count of false imprisonment.

Villaret may face a range of penalties if she pleads guilty or a jury convicts her. The victims and their families may also have grounds to file claims or lawsuits with the school district.

Hiring education attorneys is highly advisable in these circumstances. Do you have questions about your legal options due to a similar incident at school? If so, the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team is prepared to review your case and provide the aggressive representation you deserve right now. Call today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online for more information.

Three Reported Incidents Prompt Arrest of Las Vegas Special Education Teacher

Villaret's aides reported three incidents that prompted her arrest. According to the aides, the incidents involve the following:

• On Feb 12., Villaret allegedly became angry with a nonverbal student who was making “squealing noises. An aide reports Villaret pinned the child to a table with her hand and repeatedly yelled “stop” at the child.
• Later that day, Villaret allegedly pulled a three-year-old student by the arm and forced them to sit in a “time out” that consisted of sitting beneath a desk. A witness states Villaret sat in the chair in front of the desk to prevent the child from leaving. The witness estimates this lasted about three minutes.
• Witness statements indicate another incident may have occurred on Feb 13. A witness accuses Vilaret of dragging a four-year-old student by their shirt collar. According to police, the witness believed the victim's shirt was wrapped tightly around them. However, the witness doesn't believe the victim's breathing was restricted.

Such accusations highlight the importance of hiring qualified teachers and aides. The more potential witnesses there are to such acts, the safer students may be.

The Rights of Special Education Students

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to provide free and appropriate education to children ages 3-21. For some students, an appropriate education involves special education classes or programs.

Special education teachers, aides, and other school employees in these settings need to possess the necessary qualifications to work with special education students. Unfortunately, some teachers take out their frustrations on students whose conditions may make it difficult for them to report their experiences.

A victim could be eligible for compensation when this happens. Parents of any student who's been abused by school district employees may have justification to sue the district.

How the Lento Law Firm Education Team Can Help

Filing a lawsuit isn't always the only option when alleged school abuse has occurred. Education attorneys may review your case and inform you of your options.

If you decide to take legal action, the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm can help you build a strong case. Be aware that holding school districts accountable for abuse results in a safer environment for everyone. Get started today by contacting us online or calling 888.535.3686.