DENVER — A former school bus aide has pleaded guilty to assaulting three nonverbal students with autism. Kiarra Jones, 30, entered guilty pleas to 12 charges Monday as her trial was set to begin in suburban Denver.
Details of the Case
The guilty pleas were entered under a plea agreement, according to prosecutors and court documents. Jones pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts of third-degree assault of an at-risk child and two misdemeanor counts of child abuse.
The abuse was revealed in 2024 through the review of surveillance video. Jessica Vestal sought the video review after her son suffered injuries, including bruises and a black eye, after riding the bus to school.
Impact on the Families
Jessica and her husband, Devon Vestal, expressed their distress, stating they are “haunted by whether their son understands why it happened.” They shared in a statement released by the law firm Rathod Mohamedbhai that they are focused on ensuring their son feels loved.
What’s Next
Jones faces up to 15 years in prison for the felony counts. Sentencing is scheduled for March 18. It is possible that the judge will consider the plea agreement when determining the final sentence. A possible next step could involve victim impact statements being presented at the sentencing hearing. It is also likely that the school district will review its policies and procedures regarding student transportation and supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges did Kiarra Jones plead guilty to?
Kiarra Jones pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts of third-degree assault of an at-risk child and two misdemeanor counts of child abuse.
How was the abuse discovered?
The abuse was discovered after Jessica Vestal, the mother of one of the students, requested a review of the bus surveillance video to investigate her son’s injuries.
When is Jones scheduled to be sentenced?
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on March 18.
How can communities better protect vulnerable students on school transportation?
