ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – WZMQ 19 News has new developments in the case of a Delta County teacher’s aide charged with child abuse.
Until mid-December, 54-year-old Robin Popour worked at the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (ISD) Learning Center, which serves students with “moderate to severe impairments.” She was arrested after fellow aides told police that she grabbed a male student by the shoulder, pushed him against a window, and left bruises on his arm.
Popour faces a felony charge of third-degree child abuse, which is punishable by up to two years in prison or up to five years of probation. She was originally scheduled to appear in court on April 20. However, her attorney submitted a waiver of arraignment, stating that Popour “stands mute to the charges” and requests that the court enter a plea of not guilty.
In a previous statement to WZMQ 19, Delta Schoolcraft ISD Superintendent Dr. Kristina Hansen said Popour was immediately placed on administrative leave when the incident was reported. She was then fired after a police investigation.
“As a school leader, I want to be very clear that this behavior is unacceptable and not tolerated,” Hansen wrote. “Our Learning Center staff members are compassionate, patient, super heros [sic] who provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all students in their care… The Learning Center is an amazing educational environment for students with special needs. Our hope is that this isolated incident does not change how people feel about the school or the fabulous individuals who work there.”
WZMQ 19 will continue to follow this case as it unfolds. For more information on the incident that led to Popour’s arrest, click here.
