A Florida school bus aide is facing a felony child abuse charge after an incident involving a young student with special needs, according to law enforcement.
The case centers on a 9-year-old boy who is nonverbal and autistic and attends an elementary school in Ruskin. The child was riding a Hillsborough County Public Schools bus on a Friday afternoon when the incident allegedly occurred. Investigators say the boy was secured in a harnessed seat when an aide, who was responsible for his care, struck him multiple times.
Surveillance video from inside the school bus reportedly shows the aide hitting the child’s hand and then removing a hat and striking the child on the side of the face. Authorities say the actions appeared deliberate and took place while the child was unable to move away.
The authorities learned about the situation after the boy’s mother contacted law enforcement and said she was concerned that her son may have been hurt while riding the bus. Sheriff’s deputies responded and reviewed the bus footage. They also observed visible red marks on the child’s hand, which they say were consistent with what was seen on the video.
The man was taken into custody on suspicion of one count of felony child abuse in the third degree. Prosecutors asked that he be held without bail because they believe he is a serious threat to the community, and they expressed concerns that he might not show up for his scheduled court appearances. The request was granted, and at the time this was written, the suspect remained housed in the Falkenburg Road Jail. Investigators allege the child was harmed against his will and emphasize that the boy’s inability to speak made the situation especially serious, and the investigation is ongoing.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a child abuse offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.