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Catherine Rios, 53, of New City, turned herself in on Monday, March 10 in connection with alleged incidents that took place at an aquatics facility in the Jesse J. Kaplan School at 65 Parrott Rd. in West Nyack earlier this year, according to a case report from the Clarkstown Police Department.
The charges stem from two separate incidents that occurred in the therapeutic pool at the Jesse J. Kaplan School, which serves students with special needs.
According to the case report, Rios, who was working as an aide/teacher assistant, allegedly yelled in close proximity to a student’s face before forcing the student underwater during an instrucitonal session on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Witnesses reported that the student struggled, choked on water, and gasped for air before resurfacing.
The student was not injured as a result of the injury, according to police.
A second incident reportedly involved Rios approaching another student in the water and holding them underwater, though that student also did not suffer injuries, according to the police report.
The report said multiple staff members witnessed the incidents and reported them to school administrators, prompting an internal investigation and subsequent law enforcement involvement.
Following the allegations, Rios was placed on administrative leave and is no longer in contact with students.
In response to the arrest, Rockland BOCES Superintendent Christopher D’Ambrese sent a statement to parents and caregivers, assuring them that the district is fully cooperating with law enforcement and prioritizing student safety.
"The incidents were observed by several staff members, who reported them to school administrators. In alignment with our agency’s procedures and board policies, these administrators took immediate and appropriate action," D’Ambrese wrote, adding, "While we understand that hearing about a situation like this can be unsettling, it’s important to emphasize that these were isolated incidents."
The New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs has been notified of the case, and the Clarkstown Police Department continues its investigation. The parents of the affected students have been given the option to pursue additional legal action.
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