Bus Aide Accused Of Injuring Autistic Boy Gets Suspended Sentence

FAIRFIELD, CT — A bus aide who was accused of repeatedly assaulting a Fairfield boy with autism may serve no jail time. Joseph Jean-Felix was sentenced Wednesday to two suspended five-year jail terms and one suspended one-year term to be served concurrently, according to court records. He also received three years of probation.

Jean-Felix, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty to risk of injury to a child, unlawful restraint and assault, court records said. He was accused of assaulting the 15-year-old on several occasions, police said when the charges were announced in January 2019. The victim's father said that his son came home from school Nov. 19, 2018, with distinct injuries to his arm, according to police.

"It's a difficult matter for all the parties and fortunately it has been resolved," said Jean-Felix's attorney, Fred Paoletti.

Jean-Felix was originally charged with five counts of assault of an intellectually disabled person, five counts of first-degree unlawful restraint and five counts of risk of injury to a minor. He was also terminated from his position as an aide following an investigation.