Two Hillsborough County Public Schools bus employees were recently arrested following a child abuse investigation and the Sheriff said the crime “reveals a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing.”
The victim is diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and is minimally verbal.
Deputies initiated a child abuse investigation after a witness reported observing a school bus aide striking a 10-year-old victim while on a Hillsborough County Public Schools bus parked at Caminiti Exceptional School in Central Florida.
Detectives reviewed video footage that showed 79-year-old Juanita Wright repeatedly abusing the child, according to local law enforcement.
The video also captured Wright and the bus driver, 62-year-old Tonya Rice-Constant, laughing during the abuse, according to HCSO.
Detectives reviewed additional video footage and identified thirteen additional days in which Wright was observed abusing the child.
“This case goes far beyond abuse. It reveals a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “A defenseless child was physically abused by someone entrusted with their care, while another adult failed to intervene and instead laughed. It is an inexcusable betrayal of trust and a profound lack of humanity when adults who are supposed to protect a child not only inflict harm, but also allow it to happen. In Hillsborough County, this kind of conduct will be met with the full force of the law.”
Juanita Wright and Tonya Rice-Constant were arrested. Juanita Wright faced charges of Child Abuse (x14). Tonya Rice-Constant faced charges of Failure to Report Child Abuse.
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
