Overview
- James Savage Jr., 79, was arrested on a felony child-abuse charge after an incident reported on a Hillsborough County school bus in Ruskin.
- A criminal affidavit alleges he slapped the boy’s hand and struck his face with a cap while the child, who is nonverbal and autistic, was harnessed to his seat.
- Deputies noted red linear markings on the child’s hand, and the sheriff’s office released bus surveillance video that appears to show the aide hitting the boy.
- Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the alleged conduct, while a judge on Tuesday set bond at $10,000 and ordered no contact with the victim or other children.
- Defense counsel argued in court that the video shows no contact with the child, and authorities say the investigation and criminal case remain ongoing.