New allegations of child abuse by NJ teacher accused of assaulting boy

WEST ORANGE, N.J. (PIX11) — Police arrested a staff member from Mount Carmel Academy in West Orange, N.J., in July.

Disturbing surveillance video allegedly shows Jaron Spicer mistreating an 11-year-old student with special needs.

PIX11 News first showed you the surveillance video of Zaire Smith being slammed to the floor and then held down for several minutes by Spicer. The incident lasted for at least 30 minutes while other staff members appeared to do little or nothing to help the child.

After the family attorney filed claims against the school and contacted the Police and the Essex County prosecutor’s office, Spicer was arrested.

He faces several charges, including endangering, abuse and neglect of a child, and simple assault. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

Zaire’s parents said they are relieved Spicer will be held accountable.

“I’m so glad he won’t be able to do this to another child,” Kevion Smith, Zaire’s father, said

The family’s attorney praises the Essex County Prosecutor’s special victims prosecutor for taking action and following up on the case.

“Two other families came forward with similar claims. We will get justice for Zaire and the others,” attorney Ben Pinczewski said.

The family also has a restraining order against Spicer.

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