Teacher charged with child abuse

DAVIE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida accused of terrorizing a 12-year-old boy who has autism has been charged with child abuse.

Police said David Baier was allegedly caught on tape abusing the child on July 27 at AEF schools, according to a police report. "Very disturbing. I mean when you see the size of this man, he's 6 foot, 270 pounds and a 12-year-old child, it is very disturbing what you see in the video," said Dale Engle of the Davie Police Department.

According to that report, the abusive incident started after a field trip where the child had been argumentative and disrespectful, calling Baier names and stomping on his foot. The report says the child was sent to Mr. Baier's classroom for punishment after the field trip.

The boy's mother, Wendy, who only wants to be identified by her first name said she is dismayed by the behavior of Baier. "I wanted what was best for my son, and I trusted these people," she said.

The report goes on to say, when the child misbehaved, Baier grabbed his hair with his right hand and clinched his left fist, threatening to do more. A short time later, the report says the two were discussing the child's behavior and Baier allegedly threatened the child, who leaned back defensively and cried out, "No."

"About 15 minutes later, the child, once again is fidgeting in his chair, he's told to sit still and when he doesn't, Mr. Baier goes over, the poor child cowers in his chair and Mr. Baier grabs him once again by the head of the hair and throws him to the floor," said Engle, "And then immediately instructs him to get back up in the chair. A very, very disturbing video."

The report says: "Despite his verbal outburst, at no time is the child observed being physical or violent toward Baier."

Baier, 49, is facing two counts of child abuse. The school's attorney released a statement: "We deny any and all allegations as presented against Mr. Baier."

Davie Police has received more calls from concerned parents after this story first aired. Police are also saying they have seen a letter sent home from the school asking parents to grant the school permission to wash their child's mouth out with soap or hot sauce if that child says something sexually explicit or an expletive.

Baier appeared in court Thursday and posted $2,000 bond. He bonded out at around 6:30 p.m. Though he would not comment he did break down crying in front of waiting media cameras.

The boy's mother is upset about Baier's release. "He doesn't deserve to be out of jail, and I hope he finds himself right back in there," she said.

Though police have yet to released the surveillance footage, it will soon become public record.

If you have any information on this incident, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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