The Preston County teacher accused of child abuse after allegedly using duct tape on a student’s mouth and hands had a preliminary hearing earlier this week in Preston County Magistrate Court.
Court records show probable cause was found in the case of Cassandra “Candi” Diann Sisler, 43, of Terra Alta, who was a teacher at Central Preston Middle School. The case will now move up to Preston County Circuit Court.
Criminal complaints filed by West Virginia State Police say the juvenile victim alleged Sisler used duct tape to cover their mouth and at times bind their hands and arms during class each day Oct. 2-5.
The victim said Sisler placed the duct tape “from ear to ear” and that their “lips were sore” when they were able to take the tape off their mouth.
The juvenile further alleged that on Oct. 4 Sisler not only taped their mouth but also grabbed their hands and wrapped their wrists in duct tape. On Oct. 5, the student said Sisler got a stronger tape and wrapped it around their head, over their mouth and onto their shoulders, the complaint said.
Sisler is facing four counts of child abuse resulting in injury or creating risk of injury by West Virginia State Police in relation to the allegations.
Following Sisler’s arrest, Preston County Superintendent of Schools Brad Martin assured that the district is taking the matter seriously and the appropriate authorities have been contacted and are investigating.
“We are taking all necessary actions while this situation is being actively investigated by authorities,” Martin told The Dominion Post. He was unable to disclose additional information due to the pending legal matter.
Sisler was released from custody after posting a total bond of $40,000 ($10,000 for each of the four counts). She will now await scheduling in circuit court.
