Teacher's aide accused of sex assault

EMMETT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - A 32-year-old teacher's aide is accused of sexually assaulting a middle-school student from the same district where she worked in Calhoun County.

She entered a no contest plea on Oct. 4 to one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 31.

U.S. marshals on June 3 arrested April Patzkowsky in Brownsville, Texas, where she had been living with relatives for the past eight months.

She was arrested on an outstanding warrant for four sexual assault charges, was extradicted to Michigan.

The male student attends W.K. Kellogg Middle School -- the same building where 32-year-old Patzkowsky worked as a bilingual aid, according to her husband, Mike Patzkowsky. April was employed at the school for about five years to help students with their English skills.

Emmett Township Public Safety began the investigation after receiving a complaint report. Police said the abuse occurred off school grounds, and Mike Patzkowsky told 24 Hour News 8 that it happened last summer.

April was placed on administrative leave shortly after the investigation began in September 2010, Mike said.

April was aware of the situation and kept police informed of her whereabouts, Mike added. She faces life in prison, if convicted.

Police haven't released any additional details on the case. The school district is cooperating with the investigation, officers said, however, school officials have declined comment.

April Patzkowsky and her husband have been married for 13 years, and have two school-aged children, Mike said. April has no criminal record, he added, saying still, she has had her share of troubles.

April has been a neglectful mother, Mike said, who likely has had extramarital affairs. Mike told News 8 he will file for divorce after years of deciding against it.

Mike and the children remain in Michigan.