The Gallupville man who allegedly took pliers and pulled out three permanent teeth from a developmentally disabled girl has been indicted on assault charges.
Steven D. Walker, 34, has been indicted on charges of two counts each of second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child, officials from the Schoharie County District Attorney's office and the New York State Police said Wednesday.
Mr. Walker's arraignment is pending.
In addition to the indictment of Mr. Walker, the State Police announced that a fund has been set up for the eight-year-old victim of the assault.
As a result of numerous phone calls from concerned citizens and local media outlets, a custodian account has been established for the girl.
Paul Brady, the commissioner of social services for Schoharie County, established the account at the NBT bank branch on Main Street in Schoharie.
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may do so at the NBT branch by sending in a check or money order made payable to "Paul Brady Custodian." The bank's address is: NBT Bank, 271 Main Street, Schoharie, NY, 12157.
All proceeds will directly benefit the child, police added.
The investigation into the incident began when the girl complained of mouth pain in school. The child was examined by her regular dentist who noted that three of her previously seen permanent teeth had been forcibly extracted. The dentist reported the incident to the county Child Protective Services, who in turn contacted the State Police.
The girl, who was under the care of Mr. Walker, was removed from the home at the onset of the investigation.