Former teacher's assistant accused of attacking autistic boy

A former assistant teacher at a Cumberland County elementary school is accused of assaulting a young autistic boy, according to court documents. Court documents say Jessica Piper, 36, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and simple assault. She worked as an aide at East Pennsboro Elementary School until she was suspended in late May and fired last week when charges were filed. Investigators said in an affidavit that a tip from school staff to Childline led to community police identifying Piper, who was accused of grabbing the 8-year-old child by the back of the neck and shoving her to the ground so she could pick up things. Investigators spoke with the child's mother, who said she noticed bruises but didn't photograph them because she wasn't aware anything was causing them. Other witnesses at the school said they had seen other instances of aggressive physical behavior from Piper towards the boy, with one witness saying she lost sleep over the way she handled the child. In a statement, a spokeswoman for the East Pennsboro Area School District said, “Ms. Piper was removed from her position after we were formally notified of the investigation, pending allegations of misconduct.” JR Godwin, vice president of business affairs for Substitute Teacher Service , said Piper was suspended in May when the investigation was opened and did not work at any school between the time of her suspension and her dismissal after the charges were filed Friday. Piper is due in court for a preliminary hearing next month.