This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A prosecutor isn’t filing criminal charges “at this time” against an Oregon science teacher accused of using a Tesla coil to burn the phrase “I love mom” into students’ arms.

Samuel Dufner was arrested Tuesday at South Salem high school.

Salem police lieutenant Steve Birr says students used the coil in an exercise last week. Dufner noted it could also be used to mark the skin and asked for volunteers.

The 37-year-old burned “I love mom” into their arms – with a heart to symbolize the word love. Birr says the marks have since faded.

Marion County deputy district attorney Doug Hanson said Wednesday his office has decided not to charge Dufner now but the investigation continues.

The Salem-Keizer school district placed Dufner on leave.

The Tesla coil transmits electricity without wires at high frequency and high voltage levels.