Former teacher held over for trial

A former special education teacher at Northern Potter Children's School accused of assaulting a developmentally disabled student has been held for trial.

District Judge Delores Bristol of Galeton ruled at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing last week that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to try Heather M. Spriggle, 38, of Ulysses, on a felony count of endangering the welfare of a child, as well as lesser charges of simple assault and harassment.

Defendant is scheduled to appear in Potter County Court of Common Pleas on Jan. 2.

Police allege that between September 2005 and May 2006, Spriggle assaulted a 13- year-old boy. She was employed as a special education teacher by Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit Nine at the time.

Deputy Attorney General James M. Reeder is prosecuting the case because of a potential conflict of interest by Potter County District Attorney Dawn Fink. Peter Campana of Williamsport is defending Spriggle.

Teacher aides told police they saw Spriggle assault the special education student by pinching him, bending his fingers backward and pushing him against a shelf.