Former bus driver gets probation for abusing girl

QUEENSBURY, N.Y. — A former bus driver convicted of putting duct tape over the mouth a special-needs girl was spared jail time, but she received a probation sentence, the Post Star reports.

More than a year ago, Marjorie Jones placed tape over the mouth of then 7-year-old Angelina Kio, who is unable to speak and has the cognitive abilities of a toddler. Jones was convicted of misdemeanor child endangerment, but she said when she testified at trial that she was “entertaining” Kio, and that the girl was laughing. Jones was sentenced to three years of probation and 100 hours of community service.

In addition, Kio’s parents have filed a lawsuit seeking at least $250,000 from Jones and the Corinth Central School District, where Jones used to work.

To read the full story, click here.

Other recent news related to special-needs transportation:

● 1st Kan. special-needs safety roadeo is personal

● Special-needs bus driver arrested for DUI

● Special-needs student left on bus