A second former teacher’s aide at Horace Mann Middle School has pleaded guilty in connection to the investigation into abuse of special needs students. Walter Pannell of Charleston pleaded guilty to four counts of misdemeanor battery before Judge Carrie Webster on Monday. Last week, James Lynch, another aide in the same classroom, pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor battery. He will be sentenced on June 2. Anthony Wilson of Beckley, the teacher in the classroom, is also charged with battery. His case is still playing out in magistrate court. Lillian Branham of Beckley is also charged with battery in the case. Her case is also still playing out in magistrate court. Pannell faces up to four years in jail and will be sentenced on July 20 .