Background: Riverside University High School in Milwaukee, Wis. (Google Maps). Inset: Demitrios Visvardis (Milwaukee County Sheriff”s Office).
Demitrios Visvardis, aged 39, was employed as a paraprofessional at Milwaukee Public Schools until his arrest on January 21 for alleged battery. This charge stems from a November 2025 incident involving Shrone Dunn, an 18-year-old student with special needs at Riverside University High School. The criminal complaint reviewed by Law & Crime details how Dunn, who has cerebral palsy, was on the hallway floor on November 12, 2025. Visvardis attempted to help her put on her shoes, which led to a brief struggle where he allegedly slapped the student.
Authorities stated that the entire event was recorded on surveillance footage.
During interviews with teachers familiar with Shrone’s condition and her communication abilities, police noted that she appeared “upset” following the reported incident. Based on these observations, officials inferred that Shrone was likely harmed when Visvardis allegedly slapped her.
In a conversation with local Fox affiliate WITI, Shrone’s mother, Shirley Dunn, recounted viewing the surveillance video. She claimed that Visvardis “picked [Shrone] up by her shoulders” and “slammed her on the chair.” Shirley Dunn also mentioned that her daughter likely protested against being hit, which she believes preceded the slap.
In an interview with local Fox affiliate WITI, Shrone’s mother Shirley Dunn said she saw the video of the alleged incident. Dunn told the station that Visvardis “picked [Shrone] up by her shoulders” and “slammed her on the chair.” She said her daughter likely told Visvardis to stop hitting her, “and that’s when he slapped her.”
Dunn told WITI that her daughter still has trouble sleeping two months after the alleged incident.
WITI obtained a statement from Jeff Lasky, the principal of Riverside University High School, that acknowledged that Visvardis allegedly slapped the student and was “not currently working in the school.” Lasky said the school alerted the police to the alleged incident and was conducting its own investigation in addition to the criminal investigation by the police.
Visvardis pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of battery on Monday. He posted $1,000 bond and is due back in court on Feb. 23.
