A former Prince George's County school bus driver says she reported her concerns about a bus aide now accused of child sexual abuse to supervisors.
Shirley Adams told News4 she reported the bus aide to Child Protective Services after twice reporting him to her supervisor.
Adams, a former substitute bus driver, said she was filling in on the route in November when she saw questionable behavior by the aide, who sat next to pre-kindergarten children instead of behind the children as bus aides are supposed to do. She said he appeared to be touching them.
"I wanted to jump out of my skin because I knew it was something inappropriate, but I couldn't see exactly what was going on," Adams said.
When she finished her route, she reported the aide to the assistant bus lot foreman.
"She, in turn, called the supervisor immediately," Adams said.
For months, Adams was put on other routes, but in May, she was surprised and second-guessed herself when she was put back on that route and saw the aide.
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"I couldn't understand why he was still on the bus," she said. "I thought maybe there wasn't anything inappropriate."
She said she knew for sure, though, when she saw the aide hug and kiss a 4-year-old boy on his forehead.
She emailed her boss asking to discuss an issue that could deal with CPS. He replied to her email but did not meet with her, Adams said.
So she called CPS and anonymously reported the aide.
Weeks later, she received an email from her boss threatening suspension, saying she failed to report an alleged child abuse incident involving a fellow employee.
She retired soon after but continues to cooperate with police and CPS on the investigation.
CPS told a number of parents at James Ryder Randall Elementary School their special needs pre-kindergartners may have been molested after the aide was allegedly seen doing inappropriate things on bus cam video.
The parents of a 4-year-old boy with special needs said they were told bus cameras caught the abuse and they were shown enough video to identify their son, but they have not seen the alleged abuse.
The children involved have verbal delays and trouble communicating.
Prince George’s County Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which was reported to CPS May 24 and to police June 20.
Prince George's County Public Schools CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell said he didn't find out until August, when school started.
The aide under investigation, who has not been charged, told News4 he is not guilty of the allegations. The aide and Adams' supervisor are on administrative leave.
