The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two Hillsborough County Public Schools bus employees following a child abuse investigation.
On November 14, 2025, deputies initiated a child abuse investigation after a witness reported observing a school bus aide striking a 10-year-old victim while on a Hillsborough County Public Schools bus parked at Caminiti Exceptional School.
The victim is diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and is minimally verbal.
On November 18, 2025, detectives reviewed video footage that showed Juanita Wright, 79, repeatedly abusing the child.
The video also captured Wright and the bus driver, Tonya Rice-Constant, 62, laughing during the abuse.
On December 23, 2025, detectives reviewed additional video footage and identified thirteen additional days between October 2, 2025, and November 14, 2025, in which Wright was observed abusing the child.
“This case goes far beyond abuse. It reveals a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “A defenseless child was physically abused by someone entrusted with their care, while another adult failed to intervene and instead laughed. It is 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.”
On January 26, 2026, Wright and Rice-Constant were arrested for the following charges:
Juanita Wright
- Child Abuse x14
Tonya Rice-Constant
- Failure to Report Child Abuse
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
