TAMPA, Fl. — Two Hillsborough County school bus employees, Juanita Wright and Tonya Rice-Constant, were arrested after a disturbing incident involving a special-needs student was captured on surveillance video, according to authorities.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began after a witness reported seeing a bus aide strike a child while the school bus was parked outside Caminiti Exceptional School, which serves students with special needs.
Surveillance footage from inside the bus allegedly shows Juanita Wright, 79, a bus aide, repeatedly striking and mistreating a 10-year-old student during multiple bus rides between October and November 2025. Investigators said the child is minimally verbal and has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
Authorities said the video also shows Tonya Rice-Constant, 62, the bus driver, present during the incidents. Deputies allege Rice-Constant failed to intervene and, at times, appeared to laugh instead of stopping or reporting the abuse.
After reviewing the footage, investigators identified 13 additional incidents involving the same child.
Wright was arrested and charged with 14 counts of child abuse. Rice-Constant was arrested and charged with failure to report child abuse, which is a felony under Florida law. Both arrests were made in late January.
“This behavior goes far beyond negligence,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “These individuals were entrusted with the care of a vulnerable child, and that trust was violated.”
Hillsborough County Public Schools confirmed that both Wright and Rice-Constant were immediately removed from their positions following the investigation. The district said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing transportation safety protocols.
The child’s family has been notified, and victim advocacy services are being provided. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.