Florida School Bus Aide Accused of Child Abuse Against Autistic Student

Allegations of Child Abuse

• 📌 A 79-year-old school bus aide, James Savage, is accused of child abuse against a 9-year-old autistic and non-verbal student.
• ⚠️ The accusation stems from a report by the child's mother who had concerns her son may have been hit while on the bus.

Security Footage and Defense

• 📹 Security camera footage from the bus reportedly shows Savage taking off his hat and allegedly hitting the boy in the face and on the hand.
• 🗣️ Savage's attorney claims the video shows the child grabbing Savage's hand, which he swiped away, and an alleged hit with the hat actually struck the seat.
• ⚖️ The attorney argues the incident does not meet the legal threshold for child abuse and notes Savage has no prior criminal history.

Court Proceedings and Bond

• 🧑‍⚖️ Savage had a pre-trial detention hearing that was postponed to the afternoon.
• 💰 The judge set bond at $10,000 and ordered Savage to have no contact with the victim or other children.