Florida School Bus Horror: Aide Accused of Beating Autistic Child Over 14 Days While Driver Watched and Laughed
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDA — Two longtime public school employees are facing criminal charges after investigators say a school bus aide repeatedly abused a 10-year-old special-needs student while the bus driver looked on and even laughed during at least one incident.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Juanita Wright, 79, has been arrested and charged with 14 counts of child abuse, while Tonya Rice-Constant, 62, the bus driver, has been charged with failure to report child abuse.
“This case goes far beyond abuse,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “It reveals a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing.”
Abuse Allegedly Caught on Camera
Deputies say the investigation began after someone reported seeing a school bus aide striking a child while the bus was parked at Caminiti Exceptional School, a Hillsborough County Public Schools campus that serves students with autism, emotional disabilities, and other special needs.
The victim, a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with autism and ADHD, is described by authorities as minimally verbal, making him especially vulnerable.
Four days after the initial report, detectives reviewed video footage from inside the bus. What they allegedly found was disturbing.
Investigators say the footage shows Wright hitting the child on the top and back of the head, pulling his hair, and forcefully yanking his backpack away as he sat in his seat. During at least one incident, the driver — Rice-Constant — allegedly looked on through the rearview mirror smiling and chuckling.
Pattern of Abuse Spanning Weeks
The case grew even more alarming on Dec. 23, when detectives uncovered additional footage. According to the sheriff’s office, video evidence revealed 13 more days of abuse between Oct. 2, 2025, and Nov. 14, 2025.
In total, investigators allege the child was abused on 14 separate school days.
“A defenseless child was physically abused by someone entrusted with their care, while another adult failed to intervene and instead laughed,” Sheriff Chronister said. “It is an inexcusable betrayal of trust and a profound lack of humanity.”
Suspect Claims Abuse Was “Playful”
Wright reportedly told investigators she was being “jokeful” and “playful” with the child, a claim that sharply contrasts with what deputies say is visible on the video footage, according to Tampa NBC affiliate WFLA.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active.
School District Responds
The Hillsborough County School District released a statement calling the allegations “deeply disturbing.”
District officials said Wright had been employed as a bus aide since 2012 and was removed from duty in November once allegations surfaced before later being fired. Rice-Constant, the driver, retired in November when the investigation began.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” the district said. “When anyone violates that trust, we take swift action and will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement.”
A Case Raising Serious Questions
The allegations have sparked outrage and renewed concerns about oversight, reporting requirements, and protections for special-needs students, particularly those who may struggle to communicate abuse.
Both defendants now face the criminal justice system as prosecutors review evidence that authorities say shows a sustained pattern of harm — not an isolated incident.
What do you think — should penalties be tougher when abuse involves special-needs children and occurs over time? Share your thoughts and follow CabarrusWeekly.com for continued coverage of this case and other stories impacting families and schools nationwide.
