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Students Testify in School Child Abuse Case at Perry

Perry Public Schools

 

Ten girls who alleged a former teaching assistance fondled them at an Oklahoma elementary school have testified.

The Oklahoman  reports all but one of the girls could face 86-year-old former teaching assistant Arnold Cowen in a closed hearing Monday.

Cowen is accused of inappropriately touching 10 girls ranging in age from 10 to 13 at Upper Elementary School in Perry. He is charged with 18 felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, two felony counts of lewd or indecent proposals and one felony count of possession of child pornography.

Cameron Spradling, an attorney for six of the girls, says he's proud of the "brave little girls who were finally given the opportunity to tell their stories."

Cowen and his attorney declined to speak with reporters after the hearing. A preliminary hearing for Cowen is expected to continue Tuesday.