School Bus Assistant Arrested on Suspicion of Mistreating 3 Children with Severe Autism

School Bus Assistant arrested Suspicion of Mistreating 3 Children Mistreating Children Severe Autism

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Apr 12, 09:39 am

Photo: (Photo : JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images )

In Englewood, Colorado, a school bus aide has been arrested by local police on charges of physically abusing three children with severe autism.

According to the Rathod Mohamedbhai law firm presenting the families, at least one circumstance of abuse was supposedly captured on video.

The law firm declared that the three non-verbal children endured "extreme physical and mental abuse" over six months while aboard a Littleton Public Schools special needs bus.

School Bus Aide Arrested for Child Abuse of Three Children

Kiarra Jones, aged 29, is facing felony assault charges for crimes against at-risk children, as reported by the police. The Englewood Police Department noted that multiple non-verbal autism students were allegedly assaulted by the suspect while en route to school on a moving bus.

Jones was identified as the victims' assigned paraprofessional employed by the Littleton Public School District during the incidents.

The law firm presenting the families stated Jones's actions as "unfathomable abuse," alleging that the abuse started in September 2023.

Concerned parents have seen important changes in their children's behavior and physical injuries, including scratches, bruises, a lost tooth, a broken toe, a black eye, and other deep bruises, which led them to reach out to the school in January. However, the school district reportedly failed to take sufficient action, according to Ciara Anderson, an attorney with the law firm.

Jones was arrested on April 4 after a video supposedly displaying her frequently hitting, punching, and stomping on a 10-year-old boy was issued by the law firm. She was accused on April 5 and bonded out on a $5,000 bond.

Todd Lambert, the district's superintendent, declared that Jones was terminated from her employment on the day of her arrest. He stressed that such behavior is unacceptable and assured parents that their children's safety is a top concern for the school district.

In a press conference, the parents of the boy in the video conveyed their shock and dismay at learning about the abuse of their son by someone they had trusted.

Parents Detailed About the Injuries Sustained by Abused Children with Autism

The parents of the three children hired a lawyer and held a press conference, specifying their children's injuries, including a knocked-out tooth, fractured bones, and deep bruises.

Jones, employed by Littleton schools, accompanied the children daily on their route to The Joshua School, which caters to students with autism.

Parents Devin and Jess noticed their son's injuries in September 2023, which worsened over time. They expressed dismay and betrayal, feeling that their trust had been violated.

Despite Jess raising concerns with The Joshua School and Littleton Public Schools, she felt her worries were dismissed. The parents chose to publicly release bus surveillance footage showing Jones allegedly assaulting the children.

Two other families reported similar injuries, though Jones has not been charged in those instances. Police are continuing to investigate additional evidence.

The Joshua School stated they first heard concerns about injuries in January and collaborated with the school district to review transportation footage. Littleton schools initiated an internal investigation upon learning of the injuries on March 19 and promptly terminated Jones, who had been employed since August.

The school district emphasized a commitment to child safety and expressed regret over the incident. The Rathod Mohamedbhai law firm, representing the affected families, plans to sue Littleton schools, alleging negligence in addressing the abuse.

Attorney Ed C. Hopkins criticized the school district for failing to act despite prior notice, highlighting the lasting trauma experienced by the children.