By Robert Perea
A man was arrested Thursday afternoon on a charge of felony child abuse or neglect after he was accused of grabbing two students around the neck and shaking them while he was working as a substitute teacher at Fernley intermediate School on April 20 was arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with felony child abuse or neglect.
James Palu, 40, of Fernley, was taken into custody shortly after an expedited warrant was issued Thursday by Canal Township Justice of the Peace Lori Matheus.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the school at about 2 p.m. on April 20 for a report of child abuse. The teacher had been relieved of his duties before deputies arrived, but multiple witnesses confirmed the reports the deputies had received.
The Sheriff’s Office said Palu later told deputies he was conducting his introduction to the class and described himself as a big teddy bear, then warned the students if they misbehaved, he would “Ring their chicken necks.” Palu stated he did not touch the students, but may have demonstrated on himself.
LCSO said that was directly contrary to the statements made by witnesses.
“When pressed on the matter, Palu became evasive and the interview ended,” LCSO said in a press release.
While the students did not show visible signs of injury, one of them was later evaluated by medical professionals. After medical records later obtained by deputies confirmed the details of the injuries, they requested a warrant on April 29 and it was issued April 30.
LCSO said the investigation is ongoing and anyone who has information regarding this case is asked to report it to Deputy J. Vazquez at (775) 463-6600.
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