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Another charge filed against teacher accused of head-butting student

NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. — A new charge has been filed for a teacher accused of head-butting a student who teased him.

Since the accusations were made, the teacher has denied ever head-butting that student.

Former Woodland Hills substitute teacher Richard Novak is facing a brand new harassment charge after appearing in front of a judge Wednesday.

"I certainly can see how they could add that as an additional charge," said David Shrager, Novak's attorney. "We, of course, categorically deny the Commonwealth's version of these events."

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Shrager told Channel 11 his client served 18 years in the Marines and has dedicated his entire life to service.

Novak was previously charged with a misdemeanor simple assault after being accused of head-butting a 16-year-old Woodland Hills student during English class last October. The student filed a civil rights lawsuit  that the district received a copy of last week.

>>PREVIOUS STORY: Substitute teacher headbutted student at Woodland Hills, lawsuit says

When Channel 11 reached out to the superintendent for comment, he told us there is no comment for an ongoing legal matter.

That student's attorney, Rob Pierce, sent this statement to Channel 11, saying, in part:

"Considering the facts in this case, we are not surprised that the Assistant District Attorney added the harassment charge to the previous charges against Richard Novak. We are confident the DA's office will be able to prove the charges that have been filed against the defendant."

"He's never been in trouble with the law," Shrager said. "His entire life he's worked to help this country and make sacrifices. That's why he went back to work as a school teacher, to help people."

Novak's charges were waived to court and his next court appearance will be downtown in mid-March.

 

Cox Media Group

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