Tracy teacher charged with malicious punishment of child

MARSHALL -- Criminal charges have been filed against a physical education teacher in the Tracy Area School District, for an alleged incident involving a student.

On Wednesday, Richard William Haberman, 53, appeared in Lyon County District Court on charges of malicious punishment of a child and fifth degree assault, court records said.

A criminal complaint alleged that in March, Haberman grabbed a student and pushed him up against a wall during gym class at Tracy Elementary School. The student showed law enforcement a bruise and a scratch on his arm, the complaint alleges.

The malicious punishment charge is a gross misdemeanor, while the fifth degree assault charge is a misdemeanor, court records said.

A hearing for Haberman was held via Zoom on Wednesday, court records said. Bail was set at $3,000 cash or bond without conditions; or release with conditions including that Haberman appear in court, remain law-abiding and have no contact with the alleged victim or his family.

A future hearing date for Haberman was set for July 18.

On Tuesday, the Tracy Area School District released a statement saying that they were aware of the criminal charges being filed against Haberman.

"Upon learning of the allegations, the teacher was promptly placed on administrative leave while the district conducted an investigation, following which the District took appropriate action," the statement said.

Tracy Superintendent Chad Anderson said Haberman is still employed at Tracy Area Public Schools. Haberman was suspended for two days without pay as a result of the incident, Anderson said. Any additional actions taken by the school district are private under the Data Practices Act, he said.

Anderson said the school district had hired outside legal counsel specializing in school law to investigate the incident, and followed their direction as far as what actions should be taken.

"We take this situation very seriously. Our focus remains on providing a safe and supportive learning environment for our students," the school district's statement said.