New Britain, CONNECTICUT

October 23, 2008 - Michelle Campbell, 36, a special education teacher at Chamberlain School, has pleaded not guilty to charges of abusing her autistic students.

She was arrested October 9 and charged with three counts of risk of injury to children and four counts of cruelty to persons. Police said there are three victims in the case, all of whom are 5 to 7 years old. The warrant has been sealed by the court.

A spokesman for the parents said that the allegations were substantiated by the Department of Children and Families, but that the district never notified the families about the allegations.

The alleged abuse was reported by Campbell's co-workers at the Chamberlain School.

Campbell is due back in court November 21st.