Allegations involving the restraint and physical handling of preschool special education students inside a Richmond classroom have resulted in felony child abuse charges against a longtime Dear Elementary teacher. Berinda Marie Fidler, 64, of Richmond, has been charged with two counts of abuse or neglect of a child with no sexual contact, both Class D felonies, stemming from alleged incidents on Nov. 19, 2025. Although Fidler is facing these charges, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lori J. Baskins issued a warrant on May 18 with a $10,000 cash or corporate surety bond allowed with special conditions of release, including no contact or communication with anyone under 18 years of age. As of press time, Fidler has not been arrested. According to the complaint filed by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tara Medlin, each Class D felony carries a possible sentence of up to seven years in prison. The Richmond R…