New York State Police Arrest Massena Teacher's Assistant Following Alleged Physical Abuse of Disabled Six Year Old Student

New York State Police arrested Darlene M. Bourdeau for allegedly assaulting a six-year-old special needs student at Nightengale Elementary School.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 11:32 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WAMC

The Alleged Incident at Nightengale Elementary

A specialized classroom in Massena became the center of a state police investigation following reports of physical misconduct involving a vulnerable student. According to the New York State Police, the incident occurred on February 3, 2026, within a special education setting at Nightengale Elementary School. Darlene M. Bourdeau, who served as a teacher's assistant in the room, allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with a six year old female student. Investigative reports indicate that Bourdeau grabbed the child's wrist with enough force to cause visible distress and audible cries for help.

Mandatory Reporting and Administrative Response

The discovery of the alleged abuse was facilitated by the professional vigilance of other school staff members. The New York State Police confirmed that another employee witnessed the interaction and immediately reported the matter to the school's administrator. Following this internal report, the Massena Central School District formally notified state authorities of the alleged child abuse on March 6, 2026. This adherence to mandatory reporting protocols allowed investigators to begin piecing together the timeline of the February encounter and assess the extent of the physical harm inflicted on the minor.

Specific Charges and Legal Classifications

Law enforcement officials have filed serious criminal charges against Bourdeau in connection with the classroom incident. The 67 year old resident of Massena faces counts of second degree assault and first degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. These charges reflect the heightened legal protections afforded to students with special needs and the severity of the alleged physical contact. Under New York law, a person in a position of trust who inflicts pain or injury on a disabled individual faces enhanced penalties to reflect the vulnerability of the victim.