FORMER TEACHER CHARGED OVER STUDENT'S RUPTURED EARDRUM

ST. THOMAS. Joseph Ofori, who previously taught mathematics at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, is defending himself against criminal charges and a civil lawsuit arising from a November 15, 2024 incident in which he allegedly struck a student, causing a perforated eardrum and hearing loss.

Ofori stands charged in V.I. Superior Court with child abuse and third-degree assault. The lesser-included offense of simple assault and battery is also listed. A bail hearing set his bond at $60,000, with his next court date scheduled for October 16.

The incident unfolded at approximately 2:20 p.m., shortly before the school day ended. An eighth-grade student sitting in Ofori's class asked a female classmate for the time. The boy retrieved his cellphone to check and provide the answer. According to the federal civil complaint filed in September, Ofori then demanded the phone. The lawsuit states that while the student remained at his desk, Ofori struck him with an open hand on the left side of his head, directly over the ear.

Police records reveal conflicting accounts of what led to the blow. The student told investigators that Ofori grabbed the phone as he was removing it and then hit him near the left ear. A classmate offered a different version, saying Ofori demanded the device, the boy hesitated to hand it over, a struggle occurred, and then Ofori slapped him loudly enough for others in the room to hear. The classmate noted the student's face turned red afterward.

When questioned by police in January 2025, Ofori presented yet another account. He stated the student had been disruptive and using the phone during class instruction. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Ofori said that when he tried to take the phone, the boy slammed it into his hand, prompting him to slap the student in response. Ofori acknowledged to investigators that "teachers are prohibited from physically disciplining students."

The injury proved significant. Emergency-room staff at Schneider Regional Medical Center identified a perforated left eardrum. Three days later, an ear, nose and throat specialist found the left tympanic membrane had a central perforation covering approximately 50 to 60 percent of its surface, along with conductive hearing loss in the left ear. Medical treatment between November 15 and November 18 cost $1,223.22, with additional expenses for specialist follow-ups and medication continuing for nearly two months.

The civil complaint also names Principal Terrence Corbett, alleging he failed to secure medical care. The lawsuit contends that no school employee called the nurse, dialled 911 or contacted law enforcement after the boy reported the strike. Instead, the student was told to board his bus. The complaint states that Corbett learned that day that Ofori had struck the student in the ear and that swelling and redness were visible, yet no emergency medical attention was sought.

Ofori did not return to the school following the incident. His class was reassigned to another instructor, and he was barred from campus.

The civil suit seeks compensatory damages for physical injury, pain, suffering and emotional distress; reimbursement to the boy's mother for medical costs and related losses; and punitive damages against Ofori. No response to the complaint had been filed at the time of reporting.