SALEM, Ore. — A high school science teacher in Salem has been charged with criminal mistreatment after police say he used a Tesla coil to burn images into the skin of some students.
Salem Police Lt. Steve Birr says 37-year-old Samuel Dufner was arrested Tuesday at South Salem High School. He was released from jail after posting $2,000 bail.
Birr says Dufner’s students used a Tesla coil during class last Thursday. Toward the end of one period, Dufner noted that it could also be used to mark the skin. Birr says some kids agreed to be volunteers, and Dufner burned “I love mom” into their arm — a heart used to symbolize the word love.
An angry parent complained Friday afternoon, starting the investigation.
The Salem-Keizer School District placed Dufner on leave.
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