Former teacher's aide denies abusing autistic boy

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Nov 6, 2009 at 6:41 AM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2009 at 6:41 AM MDT

GREAT FALLS - A former Great Falls middle school teacher's aide who is accused of abusing an autistic boy by placing his head under water after he dozed off in class has pleaded not guilty.

Julie Ann Parish, who worked at North Middle School, appeared in Cascade County District Court Thursday on a felony count of assault on a minor and a misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children.

Deputy Cascade County Attorney Kory Larsen says a second former teacher's aide at the school, Kristina Kallies, is expected to make her initial appearance in court within a couple of weeks.

Parish and Kallies are accused of holding the then 13-year-old boy's head under running water after he fell asleep in class or didn't complete his schoolwork.

Schools Superintendent Cheryl Crawley has said she heard about the incident from parents and staff last spring and requested an immediate investigation, during which the aides denied the accusations.

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