Fall River Public School staff member arraigned over alleged inappropriate conduct with a student, mother releases statement

A Fall River Public School paraprofessional has been placed on leave and faced a judge on Thursday.

According to court records, 25-year-old Natasha Burgo was arraigned in Fall River District Court. Police say she has been charged with Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon on a Child Under 14, Assault and Battery on a Person with an Intellectual Disability, and Assault and Battery (two counts).

She pled not guilty and was released on personal recognizance with a pretrial hearing scheduled for February 27th. Special Conditions of release include no contact with victim/witness and to stay away from victim/witness.

Carlton Viveiros School, where the alleged incident took place, released a statement through Principal Tricia Whitty:

“I am writing to inform you that we received a report alleging that a staff member engaged in inappropriate (non-sexual) conduct with a student. Given the serious nature of this allegation, I wanted to share this information with families as promptly as possible. 

“In accordance with established policies and protocols, our response to these allegations has included placing relevant staff on administrative leave pending an investigation, notifying the Fall River Police Department, and filing a 51A report (suspected child abuse or neglect) with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Additionally, upon learning of the allegations, we immediately initiated an investigation and took steps to ensure students’ physical and emotional well-being while the matter remains under review. Please be assured that we will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation in coordination with the Fall River Police Department. 

“The purpose of this letter is to ensure you hear this information directly from me and to outline Fall River Public Schools’ prompt response to any concern that may impact student safety. I am grateful to the individual who brought this matter to our attention, as well as to our staff and the Fall River Police Department, who are responding promptly and professionally to support the health and safety of all students. Please note that you may be contacted individually as we continue to ensure a thorough and comprehensive investigation is conducted. 

“While the investigation is underway, your child will continue to receive instruction and services in their specialized classroom, with support from Viveiros’ instructional and social-emotional staff and administrators. 

“At this time, this matter remains under investigation, and I have shared all information that state and federal laws regarding student and employee privacy allow me to disclose. School staff and I, in coordination with the Fall River Police Department, will continue to address this matter and any allegation that could compromise the safety and well-being of our students promptly and proactively.”

Fall River Reporter was contacted by a woman who stated she was the mother of the child involved and that the alleged conduct was physical/violent in nature, leaving marks. 

She issued the following statement:

“On January 14, 2026, my 7-year-old son who has autism came home with visible injuries on his face and other parts of his body. When asked what happened he told me that his “teacher” a paraprofessional at Viveiros school, kicked him several times among other things. I have taken every step I can to make sure my son gets justice. Upon researching the school, I learned that other parents had children with injuries and I contacted some of them. I was informed that nothing serious had been done to remedy the situation. This is completely unacceptable. Children go to school to feel safe and to learn, not to be abused. I felt it was my duty to let parents know what happened so that they can make sure their children are safe too. To the parents of children at any school, please talk to your children. Check them for injuries and fight for them to feel safe. I hope by sharing my story, the school will make sure their teachers undergo better training in how to handle special needs children so that no other child has to go through this.”

School Committee Member Collin Dias stated that he was informed by the administration that multiple staff members have been placed on leave for the incident, not only one staff member.

The investigation remains open and ongoing, according to police.