LITTLETON, Colo. (TND) — Prosecutors in Colorado filed a motion to add 10 new charges against a school bus aide who was recently arrested for abusing a student who has special needs.
An 11-page arrest affidavit noted 28-year-old Kiarra Jones, a paraprofessional for Littleton Public Schools, was charged in April with third-degree assault for allegedly assaulting an at-risk child with a disability on a school bus.
She was released on a $5,000 surety bond and was ordered not to leave Colorado, according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office. She also "must comply with a mandatory protection order."
Now, prosecutors want Jones to face eight additional assault charges and two child abuse charges.
Surveillance footage previously released by civil rights attorneys shows a woman -- allegedly Jones -- sitting next to a child on a bus. The woman is seen elbowing and hitting the child repeatedly.
***WARNING: The following video contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.***
Attorney Qusair Mohamedbhai, who is representing the child's family, said the video uncovers months of "unimaginable abuse," with documented injuries dating back to September 2023.
The affidavit, which was filed in Arapahoe County and obtained by The National Desk, noted the director of LPS Transportation contacted authorities after the child's parents said their son came home with several injuries.
The attorney described the injuries as "unexplained scratches, bruises, a lost tooth, a broken toe, a black eye, and other deep bruises on their bodies and feet."
In the affidavit, a detective with the Englewood Police Department said the video shows Jones assault the child on Feb. 13. He added other footage that revealed more abuse on two other days, including Feb. 13 and March 1.
Mohamedbhai said other families have come forward, saying their children were abused, as well. He said they have gone to Little Public School with their concerns to no avail.
The circumstances surrounding this abuse serve as a grim reminder of the potential for some individuals to commit heinous acts against the most innocent and vulnerable members of society," the attorneys noted in the release. "It underscores the importance of not solely relying on the school system to ensure the safety of autistic children entrusted to their care during transportation to school."In an April 5 letter to parents, Littleton Public Schools superintendent Todd Lambert said Jones was terminated following her arrest.
“This kind of behavior cannot be and is not tolerated. As parents, you trust us with the well-being of your children and you should never have to worry about them being harmed when they are in our care,” Lambert wrote.
Court documents note Jones is set to appear in court for an arraignment July 1.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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