The following press release was issued by the Hudson Police Department today.
The City of Hudson Police Department is actively investigating a child abuse allegation involving an incident that occurred on April 1, 2026, at M.C. Smith Elementary School.
The case began after a child abuse hotline referral was received and forwarded to investigators, prompting a formal review into allegations involving a 7-year-old student with special needs and a one-on-one school aide. School administrators reported conducting internal interviews shortly after the incident and later coordinating with human resources and legal counsel before notifying authorities.
Detectives interviewed multiple school staff members who were present during the incident. Statements obtained during the investigation included allegations that the aide physically grabbed the student by the face and struck her head against a wall during the incident.
Detectives later interviewed the aide, identified as Virginia S. Pitcher of Hillsdale, New York. During that interview, Pitcher admitted to pushing the student and grabbing her facial area, stating she was attempting to stop the child from pulling her hair and biting her.
Following the investigation, Pitcher was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child under New York Penal Law 260.10, a Class A misdemeanor.
On April 23, 2026, Pitcher was arrested by the HPD Detective Division. She was processed and issued an appearance ticket.
She is scheduled to appear in Hudson City Court on April 30, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
The City of Hudson Police Department continues to review the case as part of its ongoing investigation.
The department also received assistance from the Columbia County District Attorney's Office, whose support in securing legal process and assisting with subpoenas helped facilitate the investigation.
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