DCF: Fired Methuen Teacher Did Not Harm Kids

DCF: Fired Methuen teacher did not harm kids

Investigators change stance after reviewing decision

METHUEN — Investigators within the Department of Children and Families (DCF) have reversed their own ruling that Dean Gaudet, a fired Methuen teacher, physically abused two students. This decision comes amidst growing concerns regarding DCF investigation process and the rights of individuals under investigation.

Gaudet and his attorney, Peter Pasciucco, followed up DCF’s initial decision with a request for it to be reviewed by the Fair Hearing Unit, according to Pasciucco. A Feb. 14 letter from the Fair Hearing Unit explains “the Department did not have sufficient evidence to support its decision.

DCF and local police started examining Gaudet’s behavior at the request of school officials, who were exploring allegations that Gaudet touched several students and made them feel uncomfortable with certain looks.

Gaudet, a 55-year-old Salem, New Hampshire, man, was fired in May 2019 after working 25 years as a technology teacher in Methuen Public Schools. At the time, he worked at Timony Grammar School. Before that he was at Comprehensive Grammar School.

As Massachusetts law entitles, Gaudet requested that an arbitrator hear why he was fired and decide whether he should be reinstated and given back pay. The arbitrator took DCF’s initial ruling, that Gaudet was guilty of touching the students, into consideration.

He was successful in the arbitration hearing, which cost $14,000 and was split between Gaudet and Methuen Public Schools. Gaudet’s salary for the 2018-19 school year was $88,872 and $90,649 for the 2019-20 school year, according to records provided by the school district.

After two days of hearing from people involved, Arbitrator Elizabeth Neumeier reasoned that a female student who claimed Gaudet touched her breast did not appear upset enough, and the school did not make a strong case for a boy who said Gaudet slipped a hand into the back of his pants.

Superintendent Brandi Kwong has remained firm that Gaudet should not be rehired. A pending lawsuit in Essex Superior Court filed by attorneys for the school district requests that a judge overrule the arbitrator’s decision.

“Dean is 110% innocent and will do whatever it takes to clear his name. This whole ordeal was mismanaged from the beginning by Dr. Kwong.  Pasciucco said. Kwong did not respond when asked to comment for this article. Pasciucco said his client has “every intention to pursue civil remedies against the town and DCF.”

DCF involvement began Dec. 20, 2018, when the department received eight reports alleging that Gaudet sexually abused children. While screening each of the allegations, DCF workers supported two instances of physical abuse, but not sexual abuse.

“The Department determined that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of sexual abuse of either child and should have rested on that decision,” the latest decision reads.

In one of the instances, a 13-year-old boy said Gaudet was standing behind him in computer class, hovering, while helping with a project. The boy said he felt Gaudet’s hand go into the back of his pants and touch his skin. The student said he jumped out of his chair and asked the teacher what he was doing.

Teachers said the boy cried while being interviewed about what happened and had his head down while discussing the incident, indicating to them that he was emotional. The district later received a call from the student’s mother, who reported that her son “had become quiet and withdrawn following the incident with Mr. Gaudet.

Kwong said the boy was too upset to testify at the arbitration hearing. The secondary DCF investigation found that the boy being less outgoing at home “was not sufficient to support such a finding” that Gaudet touched him inappropriately.

In the second incident, a girl accused Gaudet of draping his arm around her shoulders and touching her breast for three to four seconds. This situation may prompt a DCF investigation process, a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. It’s important for individuals involved in such cases to be aware of parents’ rights against DCF, as these rights can significantly impact the outcome of the case and the family’s future.

During her initial interview with DCF workers, she commented “there have been a lot of rumors” going around about Gaudet. She said he “does fun projects” and she would like to “see him come back to teach. DCF said the girl was believed in the first place because she stated that she “felt nervous and scared as well as needing to get away from the situation.

By Breanna Edelstein

Source: eagletribune.com

DISCLAIMER

You find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to seek legal representation from a qualified attorney, like those at the Law Office of Kevin Seaver, who can advocate for your rights and guide you through the complex process of a DCF investigation.

Remember that the ultimate goal of DCF is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while supporting families in crisis.

Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers.

Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from the attorney based on personal circumstances. Thank you.

Kevin Patrick Seaver is a Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer who represents parents against false child abuse allegations.

 

Massachusetts DCF Defense Lawyer Kevin Seaver has been successfully fighting false child abuse allegations since 1991.

One thought on “DCF: Fired Methuen Teacher Did Not Harm Kids

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    Lisa Lausier says:

    My grandchildren have been removed from their mothers care for almost 6 months. Not sure if you can help

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