Former teacher’s aide sentenced in endangering case

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A former teacher’s aide charged following an interaction with a special needs student was back in a courtroom Wednesday to learn his fate.

Standing before Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice, the mother of a special needs student described how Stephen Bornemiss’ actions while he was working as a teacher’s aide for a Trumbull County Educational Service Center multiple disabilities classroom have impacted her son.

“He just sat there and took Mr. Bornemiss’ anger by being forced to his feet repeatedly, pushed up against the wall and pulled upstairs,” she said. “This trauma has deeply affected our happy-go-lucky, extremely loving child for the worst.”

Bornemiss pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information in February charging him with misdemeanor endangering children.

He apologized to the victim’s family saying he knew he made some wrong decisions.

“I was trying to do my job as I was trained to do. I really enjoyed working with these students and helping them through their school day. I never meant to harm anyone. I’m truly sorry for what happened,” Bornemiss said.

Pointing to his lack of criminal record and his low risk of reoffending, Judge Rice sentenced Bornemiss to three years probation. He was also ordered to complete an anger management class, pay court costs and a monthly probation supervision fee.

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