A teacher and teacher’s aide at Lenox Elementary School face criminal charges after a 9-year-old student reported that another teacher taped his head to a desk for nearly an hour.

Todd Lewis, 57, of Wayne, and Sallyann Scala, 67, of Pompton Lakes, face charges following an investigation by Pompton Lakes police and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. The student reported the incident on Oct. 31, explaining that Lewis wrapped masking tape around his neck, securing him to the desk for 40 to 50 minutes. Scala, who was in the classroom at the time, failed to intervene, officials said.

The school district placed both employees on leave once the allegations surfaced. In a letter to families, Pompton Lakes Schools Superintendent Paul Amoroso confirmed that Lewis and Scala are not allowed to be on school grounds while the case proceeds.

“We want to assure our parents, students, staff, and school community that we are working very closely with law enforcement to guarantee the safety and security of our students,” Amoroso wrote.

The incident took place in early October at Lenox Elementary, part of the Pompton Lakes public school district, which serves 1,729 students from pre-K through 12th grade.

If convicted, Lewis faces five to ten years in prison for the second-degree charge. Scala could face up to 18 months in prison for the fourth-degree charge.

For inquiries about the defendants’ employment status, please contact the Pompton Lakes Board of Education. For case-related questions, reach out to Passaic County Senior Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Petrella via email at [email protected] or by phone at 973-247-3330.

Law enforcement and school officials continue their investigation as the case attracts significant attention from the community.