NY Teaching Assistant, Katelynn Hanson, Arrested After Allegedly Showing Students Explicit Content at Fulton Junior High School

NY Teaching Assistant Arrested After Allegedly Showing Students Explicit Content

A teaching assistant at Fulton Junior High School has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly displaying a sexually explicit text message on her personal cell phone to students during school hours, authorities announced. Teaching Assistant Accused of Allegedly Showing Students Explicit Content at Fulton Junior High School.

Students Allegedly Shown Inappropriate Texts by Fulton TA

The incident came to light on April 27, 2026, when a student reported to school staff that a teaching assistant had engaged in inappropriate conduct while on school grounds. School officials promptly notified law enforcement, and an investigation was launched.

During the course of that investigation, it was alleged that the teaching assistant held up her cellular phone and allowed three students to view a sexually explicit and inappropriate text message displayed on the screen. Investigators conducted numerous interviews with students, several of whom were identified as witnesses to the incident.

Fulton Junior High School Employee Taken Into Custody After Misconduct Allegations

As a result of the investigation, Katelynn Hanson, 38, of Fulton, New York, was taken into custody. She faces three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child — one count per student who allegedly viewed the explicit content.

Hanson is no longer employed by the Fulton City School District.

Hanson is scheduled to appear before Fulton City Court on June 18, 2026, to answer to the charges filed against her.

Authorities Seek Additional Information

Investigators are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Those with knowledge of the incident are encouraged to contact Investigator Joli Marino at (315) 598-4342.

The factual information above was sourced from oswegocountytoday.com as of July 1, 2026.

The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.

When a Teaching Assistant Shares Explicit Texts or Images with Students

When a school employee exposes a student to sexually explicit content, the harm extends far beyond the classroom — and many families are left wondering what legal recourse is available to them. To help parents and guardians understand their rights, we spoke with Thomas Giuffra, a seasoned New York sexual abuse attorney with years of experience representing child victims and their families. Giuffra breaks down what families can do when a school employee engages in this type of misconduct, how school districts can be held accountable, and why taking swift action can make a significant difference in protecting a child's legal rights.

Q: When a school employee engages in inappropriate conduct with students, what legal options are available to affected families beyond the criminal process?

A: Families have meaningful civil legal options that exist entirely separate from any criminal proceedings. A civil lawsuit can be filed against the individual responsible, and in many cases, against the school district itself. Schools have a legal duty to protect students in their care, and when they fail to properly screen, supervise, or take action against an employee engaging in misconduct, they can be held accountable. A civil case allows families to recover damages for the emotional and psychological harm their child has suffered.

Q: Can a school district be held liable even if the employee has already been terminated?

A: Absolutely. Termination does not erase prior negligence. If a school district had reason to know — or should have known — that an employee posed a risk to students and failed to act appropriately, liability can still attach. The question courts often examine is what the district knew, when they knew it, and what steps, if any, were taken to protect the children in their care.

Q: How does New York law protect child victims of misconduct by school employees?

A: New York has taken significant steps to strengthen protections for child victims. The Child Victims Act extended the window for survivors to bring civil claims, giving victims more time to come forward. Additionally, the Adult Survivors Act opened further avenues for those harmed as minors. These laws recognize that children often take years to process what happened to them, and the legal system now better reflects that reality.

Q: What should a family do if they believe their child has been exposed to inappropriate conduct by a school employee?

A: The first step is to make sure the child is safe and has access to proper emotional support. After that, I strongly encourage families to document everything — preserve any communications, write down what the child reported and when, and note any interactions with school officials. Then, consult with an attorney who handles cases involving child victims. Time can matter when it comes to preserving evidence and understanding your legal rights, so acting promptly is always in a family's best interest.

Your Child Deserves Justice — And You Don't Have to Face This Alone

If your child has been exposed to inappropriate or sexually explicit content by a school employee, you do not have to navigate this process without support. Thomas Giuffra and his team are ready to stand by your family, answer your questions, and help you understand every legal option available to you. Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation — because when it comes to protecting your child, every moment counts.