The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida teaching assistant faces criminal charges after authorities accused him of physically abusing a special needs student on campus.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on the morning of October 14, 2026, at a local high school gymnasium. The physical altercation was captured on school surveillance cameras and a cellphone video recorded by another student.
A school resource deputy reviewed a student’s cellphone video, and surveillance footage provided by the assistant principal that reportedly showed the suspect and the student walking toward a gymnasium doorway before the student fell backward. The probable cause affidavit stated that the suspect moved toward the student on the ground, pulled off one of his shoes, and struck him approximately four times. The impacts allegedly landed on the student’s bottom, head, and right arm. Footage then showed the suspect grabbing the child by his feet and dragging him across the floor.
It was reported that a cellphone video captured additional footage of the victim getting up and appearing to cower. According to the affidavit, the suspect appeared to strike the student again, causing him to fall, and dragged him from the floor a second time.
During an interview with deputies, the suspect allegedly admitted to striking the student three or four times with a shoe on the leg and arm. He reportedly stated the altercation began after the student used an inappropriate word and spit on him. The suspect acknowledged knowing the student had special needs.
The 66-year-old suspect was taken into custody and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm, and simple battery. He was released after posting an $11,000 bond. School district records indicate the suspect had been employed there since 2008.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.