Man who worked with teens charged
‘A 20-year-old Bridgeport man has been charged with endangering the welfare of teenage males with whom he worked at New Hope Academy.
According to the criminal complaint, Steven Kidd II is alleged to have inhaled, or “huffed” a can of Axe Body Spray with the teenage clients in August.
Mr. Kidd also allegedly performed carotid massages known as “space monkeys,” during which the teenagers were choked until they passed out.
State police on Monday charged him with endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors. Mr. Kidd, who no longer works at the school, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Oct. 31 before Magisterial District Judge Russell Shurtleff.
The academy is a residential treatment center for troubled teens, in which Biblical teachings and therapy are used in treatment.
“We never had an issue like this,” said the Rev. James Lowans, who oversees 13 students and 10 staff at the academy.’
