Kansas Rep. Mark Samsel, accused of kicking a boy in the testicles while replacing teaching, pleaded guilty Monday to 3 counts of disorderly conduct according to an agreement with a local prosecutor. Samsel will be released on parole for a year, apologize in writing to his victims, seek mental health treatment and avoid personal use of social media. The case stems from complaints from 2 students after Samsel, who graduated as a substitute teacher, took an art class in high school in April. The video shot by students showed Samsel lecturing to the class, ages 15 to 16, about suicide, God, and sex. According to an affidavit from a deputy, a student told the sheriff that Samsel abused him and kicked him.
Samsel told the deputy he only “proved a kick” for the boy. In a Facebook post last month, he blamed the incident for “an isolated episode of mania with psychotic traits,” citing “extreme stress, pressure and isolation.” He said he was undergoing treatment and gave up his teaching license. “I just want to say I’m sorry for what happened,” Samsel said at a hearing on Zoom. “I never intended to hurt anyone.” It was explained by Mary Woods, the aunt of a student in class with Samsel that day The Kansas City star he deserved prison. “I don’t think that’s enough,” he said of the phrase. “He put his hands on a child … He traumatized a lot of these kids. I think it sucks, say it myself.”
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