Former Littleton bus aide appears in court for charges of abusing at-risk children

DENVER (KDVR) — A case involving a Littleton paraprofessional made headlines after a disturbing video showed her on a school bus next to a nonverbal child, punching and stomping him.

Kiarra Jones was supposed to answer to 11 assault and abuse charges at the Arapahoe County courthouse on Monday. However, her attorneys asked for the arraignment hearing to be rescheduled.

The parents of the boy who was seen on camera reported the matter to authorities after the incident was captured by the school’s surveillance cameras. Several parents who say their kids were hurt by Jones attended the court hearing on Monday.

After the hearing, FOX31 attempted to ask Jones if she had anything to say regarding the charges. A person with her said, “No sir,” and they moved down the hallway outside the courtroom.

“It’s really aggravating that she gets to walk around free while all of our kids are suffering and trying to recover from what she did to them,” said parent Jessica Vestal.

A law firm representing the families said abuse of the children who are nonverbal and have severe autism had been happening for months, with signs dating back to September 2023.

The delay has parents realizing that Jones’ prosecution could take months.

“It’s a lengthy process and there’s no way we can speed things up. Not a whole lot else to say,” parent Jessica McBride said.

Jones is out of jail on a $5,000 bond. Her next hearing is Aug. 26. Parents told FOX31 they plan to attend all of Jones’ hearings.

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