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Stratford Teacher's Aide Charged With Sexually Assaulting Minor Student

Police arrested a former Stratford middle school teacher's aide on sexual assault charges after allegations surfaced accusing her of engaging in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature with a student who was a minor. She has also been terminated from the school.

Former Wooster Middle School paraprofessional Kyle Damato-Kushel, 46, is facing charges of second-degree sexual assault, illegal sexual contact with a minor, interfering with an officer, fourth-degree sexual assault involving a victim who is a student and tampering with a witness, police said.

Police launched an investigation after being contacted Oct. 1 about "inappropriate conduct" involving an adult female employed as a teacher's aide in the Stratford school district and victim under 18, police said. She had worked as a paraprofessional at Wooster Middle School since 2006, according to Stratford Superintendent Janet Robinson.

“The moment that it was brought to our attention that Damato-Kushel was being investigated for inappropriate behavior with a student, (even though the events took place off of school grounds), she was immediately placed on administrative leave," Robinson said. 

The Department of Children and Families released a report to the district substantiating the allegations Nov. 9, so the district terminated Damato-Kushel, Robinson said.

“We will not tolerate this type of behavior, regardless of where it happens. Our responsibility is to protect and educate our students. I am thankful to the Stratford Police Department for bringing this disturbing case to a swift resolution," Robinson said.

The investigation led to Damato-Kushel's arrest. She turned herself in to Stratford police on Dec. 8. She was released on a $50,000 court-set bond and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Dec. 21. Information on her attorney wasn't immediately available. 

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