Teacher Allegedly Burned Students With Tesla Coil, Sparking Controversy

By Darren Smith, Weekend Contributor

The mysterious ways of a familiar high school institution, the Tesla Coil, once again has conjured another spectacle. A Salem, Oregon high school teacher was charged with the shocking crime of Criminal Mistreatment after allegedly employing the coil to burn sweet nothings into the arms of students

After an investigation, Salem Police arrested Samuel Dufner for the alleged crime at South Salem High School.

A Tesla Coil is an electrical device, specifically an electrical resonant transformer circuit invented by Nikola Tesla in 1891. It produces high voltage, low current and high frequency alternating current electricity.

Salem Police reports allege that during a class demonstration of the coil, Dufner stated the arcs from the coil could also mark the skin. After asking for volunteers he then demonstrated this by zapping the words “I Love You Mom” along with a heart into their skin.

After the event a parent complained to police who thereafter began an investigation culminating with Mr. Dufner’s arrest. Lt. Birr of the Salem Police stated the burn marks began fading and several days later were almost gone.

Mr. Dufner posted a $2,000 bond. He remains on leave from the school.

By Darren Smith

Source: KOMO News

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