By: Richard L. Smith
Meghan Hornidge, a 19-year-old from River Edge, New Jersey, faces charges following allegations of assaulting a minor at the Apple Montessori School in Wayne, where she was employed as a teacher's aide.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announced that Hornidge has been charged with fourth-degree abuse of a minor and simple assault, a disorderly persons offense.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 12, 2024, when Hornidge allegedly slammed and dragged a two-year-old minor in her care, resulting in bodily injury.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit investigated after receiving a report on August 13, concluding that there was evidence to charge Hornidge, who was issued a complaint summons.
If convicted, Hornidge faces a sentencing exposure of up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison for the fourth-degree abuse charge and up to 60 days in county jail for the disorderly persons simple assault charge.
The case has been referred to the Grand Jury for further review.
The school released the following statement:
“We are aware of and have been cooperating with this investigation from day one. We terminated the teacher in question immediately in August and promptly notified parents as well as state authorities. We maintain rigorous hiring standards and checks for our employees, and the safety of the children in our care continues to be our top priority”.
It’s important to note that a criminal complaint is only an accusation.
Defendants, including Hornidge, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.