Ex-Coventry School Employee Dragged 10-Year-Old Student By Feet: Prosecutors

COVENTRY, RI — A former Coventry elementary school employee accused of assaulting a student was arraigned Wednesday in Kent County District Court.

Petrina Lunardelli, 48, a former life skill teaching assistant at Tiogue Elementary School, pleaded not guilty to simple assault and battery. She was released on $1,000 personal recognizance and is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 5.

On Dec. 13, 2024, police were called to the school to investigate the allegations and charged Lunardelli. According to prosecutors, Lunardelli dragged a 10-year-old child by their feet, and the student hit their head.

Coventry school officials said Lunardelli was placed on leave, and she resigned on Dec. 20, 2024.

Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by Coventry police and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the removal request process for Rhode Island Patch police reports.

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