Police: Mamaroneck Schools Worker Abused Minor

A bus driver employed by the Mamaroneck Union Free School District was arrested last week by Village of Mamaroneck police for allegedly sexually abusing a minor over a decade ago, according to a statement released by the district today.

Jorge D. Hernandez, of 429 Union Ave., is accused of engaging in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a minor from March of 1998 through 2001, when the victim was less than 11 years old, police said. Hernandez' name is not mentioned in the release, but the district has confirmed that it is the same individual.

The incident took place prior to the man's employment with the district, did not involve a Mamaroneck student and "had nothing to do with this individual's employment with the district," the release said.

The district was notified of the arrest last Friday, according to Director of Public Information Debbie Manetta.

Hernandez, who has been an employee of the district since May 2007, has been reassigned to his home "until further notice," and has also been prohibited from accessing school property for any reason. Manetta said he is still employed by the district pending completion of the case.

"He has been reassigned until we have a complete understanding of all the facts," she said.

"In a situation like this, because of its connection to a minor, the district always makes every effort to act swiftly to ensure the safety and welfare of our children, which is our top priority," said the release.

The release also states that the employee "underwent a thorough background and criminal check prior to being hired, and his record came out clean."

Hernandez was arraigned Friday, May 28, in Mamaroneck Village Court. His bail was set at $250,000 and he was served with an order of protection. He was then remanded to Westchester County Jail and remains in custody, according to the National Victim Notification Network.

If convicted of the felony charge, Hernandez would be forced to register as a sex offender, according to state law.

Check back for more information.

Note: This article previously listed Hernandez's arraignment date as June 3 due to an erroneous statement from the DA's office. The information has been corrected.