Department of Justice investigating Littleton Public Schools after video captured bus aide abusing children with special needs

LITTLETON, Colo. — A former bus aide faces multiple felony charges on the state level for abusing at-risk children. Now, federal investigators are getting involved.

Kiarra Jones, a former bus aid for Littleton Public Schools, faces 11 charges after families of children who rode on her bus released video to media earlier this year showing punches and elbows to a child’s body.

The child is non-verbal and suffered injuries.

For months leading up to the release of the video and the revelation of the abuse, families said they were raising questions to the school district about why their children were coming home with scratches and bruises.

The attorney representing the families, Qusair Mohamedbhai, shared with 9NEWS a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), informing him of its investigation. The investigation will focus on Littleton Public Schools and The Joshua School, which serves children with special needs.

The letter also references the Americans with Disability Act, which requires schools to give children with special needs equal and accommodating services.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado declined to comment on the investigation.

Littleton Public Schools said in a statement that the DOJ didn’t give the school district a timetable for the investigation but that they’re committed to providing information or support.

“In addition to conducting our investigation and fully supporting the separate law enforcement investigation, we formed a Special Transportation Task Force,” the district’s statement said. “The task force is composed of parents of students who receive special transportation, transportation staff members, representatives from student support services, the deputy superintendent and a board liaison.

“The task force’s recommended procedure and policy changes were approved by the board and significant improvements are currently being implemented,” the statement says. “The task force will continue to meet during this school year and will evaluate the effectiveness of the policy and procedure changes.”

9NEWS also reached out to The Joshua School for comment, but no responses were received by the time of publication.

This month, Jones pleaded not guilty to her charges and is expected to go to trial in February.

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