Bus Aide Arrested After Cops Say He Endangered The Welfare Of Juvenile With Cerebral Palsy, Autism

CRAWFORD, NY — A Hudson Valley man entrusted to protect a special needs student is accused of instead abusing the child.

The Crawford Police Department announced that 59-year-old Eric J. Bianco, of Cragsmoor, was arrested on Friday and charged with felony first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.

According to the complaint, Bianco, while employed as a bus aide with First Student Inc., subjected a juvenile victim to physical and threatening conduct, on two separate occasions. The allegations made in the criminal complaint include slapping the victim in the face, striking the victim's hand, kneeing the victim, forcefully grabbing and twisting the victim's wrist, and raising a clenched fist in an aggressive manner, causing the victim to fear physical injury.

Police say the victim, who has cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder, was being transported to the Center for Discovery.

Bianco was arraigned through the Orange County Centralized Arraignment Part, and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Crawford Justice Court on Monday. In addition, an order of protection was issued.