Suffolk teacher's aide charged with sex assault

A Nansemond Parkway Elementary School teacher's assistant has been indicted on charges of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy at the school in June, according to a city news release.

A grand jury indicted Paul Andrew Bess, 59, of the 100 block of N. Main St., on charges of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a child, the news release said.

The boy told a parent that the assault occurred during school hours, said city spokeswoman Debbie George.

Bess turned himself in Thursday, the news release said. He is being held without bond at Western Tidewater Regional Jail.

"In light of the allegations and arrest, Bess has been removed from all school responsibilities and placed on administrative leave," Suffolk public schools spokeswoman Bethanne Bradshaw said in a statement. "At the time Bess was hired in August 2006, a successful background check was completed. He has since had exemplary evaluations."