Mahopac School Aides’ Federal Lawsuit Tossed

As reported in the Westchester Journal News on December 21, 2011 in the matter of Sassone v. Mahopac, 07 Civ. 04142 (S.D.N.Y.), U.S. Magistrate Judge Smith granted summary judgment dismissing the complaint in its entirety.  Earlier in the case, U.S. District Judge Karas dismissed all claims against individual defendants named in the suit.  Considering the allegations of violation of the plaintiffs’ First Amendment Right to free speech, the Court said, “As individuals tasked with supervising and ensuring the care and safety of special needs children (plaintiffs) had a professional duty to speak out about the [alleged] abuse taking place in their classroom. “  Paul F. Millus, the attorney for Mahopac “said the Judge looked behind the allegations to analyze what went on in the case.”   The case was handled by Mr. Millus, Virginia Trunkes and former Associate Ann Moscow.