Ex-Capital School District paraprofessional charged with child abuse

DOVER — A former Capital School District paraprofessional has been charged with child abuse following investigation into an incident last fall, Dover Police said.

Investigation began on Oct. 19, 2023 after it was reported that Richard Powell, 55, of Felton, had caused injury to an 11-year-old student while at William Henry Middle School, police said. The School Resource Officer received the report, spokesman Master Cpl Ryan Schmid said.

After investigation by Dover Police, the Capital School District and Delaware Department of Justice a warrant was obtained Monday for Mr. Powell, authorities said. He turned himself in to Dover Police the same day.

Mr. Powell was charged with third-degree child abuse and released on his own recognizance.

Cpl. Schmid said the Capital School District released the following statement:
“We want to address an incident that occurred last fall involving one of our former employees.

“After investigating the incident, Capital School District contacted the Division of Family Services and has since cooperated with law enforcement.

The District also informed the Delaware Department of Education of the incident and separation from employment, as we are required to do by law, and we have been cooperating with their investigators to provide information as requested.

“Our district takes matters of student safety very seriously.

“In light of this, we are committed to reassessing our training programs and procedures to be proactive with a focus on prevention. Our priority remains providing a safe and supportive environment for all students.

“As with all personnel matters with former and current employees, we are not at liberty to share additional information.”