Former Valley View paraprofessional filmed high school student in bathroom, police charge

Joseph Kohut, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
Updated ·2 min read

Mar. 7—A former Valley View School District paraprofessional took video of a high school life skills student while he used the bathroom, Archbald police said.

The former classroom aide, Cala Tolerico, admitted she took the video of the student Feb. 23 but did so "as a joke" intending "no harm," Sgt. Michael Fenton alleged in a criminal complaint charging abuse of a care-dependent person.

Tolerico, 27, provided school officials with a statement, which they shared with Fenton, the school resource officer for the high school and middle school.

Tolerico, 9 Summit Place, Carbondale, is no longer employed with the school district, Business Manager Corey Castellani said. Her start date was not immediately available, but Castellani said it had been relatively recent.

Attorney Robert T. Moran, who was retained by the parents of the student, said they were evaluating all their options when asked if they were considering filing a complaint.

"The family is outraged and devastated by the egregious conduct alleged," Moran said in an emailed statement. "Their faith in those with whom they place their greatest trust in protecting and caring for their helpless child is irrevocably shattered."

Attempts to reach Tolerico were unsuccessful and it was not clear from court filings if she has an attorney. She is free on $10,000 unsecured bail set Thursday by Magisterial District Judge Laura Turlip.

The video, which the police said showed the student's bare thighs and knees, came to light when Tolerico sent it via Snapchat to who a school official says is a contracted nurse and posted it to her Snapchat story, which the police said is public.

The child's genitals were not visible in the video, the police said.

The nurse, Amanda Mendoza, quickly replied to Tolerico that it was inappropriate and she should delete it from her Snapchat story, Mendoza told police.

A middle school teacher, Samantha Howey, caught sight of the video over Mendoza's shoulder and reported it to her boss. The report made its way to the police.

Mendoza told the police the student in the video always has an aide with him, including to assist him in leaving the bathroom.

However, she was puzzled why Tolerico was in the bathroom. Aides assist the student in get settled in the bathroom and then leave until the student calls for them, police said.

Superintendent Michael Boccella, Ed.D., said he could not comment beyond confirming she no longer works for the district.

Tolerico is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9100, x5187;

@jkohutTT on Twitter.