Charges filed in abuse of student at school for disabled, accused employee fired

By Sharon Stevens, Education Reporter

KSDK -- The principal of a Missouri school for special needs children has been fired following charges that he assaulted a student.

Robert Hunter, 52, had been principal of the Autumn Hill State School for the Severely Disabled.

"I haven't done anything wrong," said Hunter, who was charged with two misdemeanors of causing physical injury to a child. He declined an on-camera interview.

Authorities said Hunter grabbed the thumbs of a nine-year-old autistic boy and caused bruising and then grabbed the child by the neck.

The alleged incidents occurred September 22 at the school.

Hunter said the child was fighting and kicking and he was just trying to get him to sit down on the school bus. He added that he never touched the boy's neck.

Prosecutor Robert Parks said they've never had a complaint about the school or staff until now.
Autumn Hill is a state school operated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

In an email, Superintendent of Special Schools Charlie Taylor said, "We deeply regret the incident that led to the removal of Mr. Hunter."

Hunter spent 27 years in education. He was once the principal at Roosevelt High School in St. Louis and Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School.

Hunter's next court appearance is scheduled for October 21 before Judge Stanley Williams.