HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – An investigation into the safety of some of Hillsborough County’s most vulnerable students has culminated in the arrest of two school bus employees following allegations of repeated physical abuse.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that Juanita Wright, 79, and Tonya Rice-Constant, 62, were taken into custody after a disturbing pattern of behavior was uncovered on a bus serving Caminiti Exceptional School.
The case first broke open on November 14, 2025, when a witness reported seeing a bus aide strike a 10-year-old student. The victim, who is diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and is minimally verbal, was unable to advocate for themselves.
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When detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the bus on November 18, the reality of the situation turned out to be much worse than a single incident. The video not only showed Wright abusing the child but also captured Rice-Constant, the driver, laughing while the assault occurred.
As investigators dug deeper, the scope of the abuse widened. A forensic review of footage conducted in late December revealed thirteen additional days of abuse occurring between early October and mid-November.
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According to Sheriff Chad Chronister, the evidence points to a systematic failure of care and a shocking lack of empathy. Chronister described the incident as an “inexcusable betrayal of trust,” noting that the adults responsible for the child’s safety chose to inflict harm and mock the victim rather than provide protection.
On January 26, 2026, the investigation reached its conclusion with the formal arrests of both women.
Wright is facing 14 counts of child abuse, while Rice-Constant has been charged with failure to report child abuse.
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