Nationwide — A 10-year-old child with autism and ADHD from Tampa, Florida, was abused on a school bus by aide Juanita Wright while driver Tonya Rice-Constant laughed. Video footage later confirmed that the incidents happened over more than a month.
The abuse came to light on November 14, 2025, when a witness reported seeing Wright striking the child while the bus was parked at Caminiti Exceptional School. Authorities quickly launched a child abuse investigation, according to WFLA.
Detectives reviewed video footage on November 18, which showed Wright repeatedly hitting and mistreating the 10-year-old. The footage also captured Rice-Constant laughing instead of stopping the abuse.
“This case goes far beyond abuse. It reveals a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister, adding that their actions were “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.”
Further video reviews revealed Wright abused the child on 13 other days between Oct. 2 and Nov. 14. Wright was charged with 14 counts of child abuse, while Rice-Constant was charged with failing to report the abuse. Chronister said Wright had described her actions as “jokeful” and “playful,” which he called deeply disturbing.
The Hillsborough County School District confirmed Wright was removed from duty immediately in November, and her employment has been terminated. Rice-Constant retired from the district at the start of the investigation. Officials emphasized student safety as a top priority and urged parents to report any concerns.
Authorities continue to investigate and encourage families to come forward if they suspect their child was affected.