CRAGSMOOR, New York — A man hired to keep a vulnerable child safe during a school bus ride is now facing a felony charge — accused of being the one who hurt that child instead.
Eric J. Bianco, 59, of Cragsmoor was arrested on Friday, May 15, 2026, by the Town of Crawford Police Department. He is charged with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree, a Class E felony.
Bianco was employed as a bus aide with First Student, Inc. at the time of the alleged incidents.
What Police Say Happened on That Bus
According to the felony complaint, the abuse did not happen once — it happened across two separate incidents involving the same juvenile victim during transport.
Investigators allege that Bianco slapped the child in the face, struck the child’s hand, kneed the child, and forcibly grabbed and twisted the child’s wrist.
Authorities also allege that he raised a clenched fist at the child in a threatening manner.
The victim was being transported to the Center for Discovery, a facility that serves individuals with complex disabilities.
The Victim Could Not Speak Up for Themselves
What makes this case especially troubling is who the alleged victim is.
Police say the child suffers from cerebral palsy and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The child is non-verbal — meaning they could not cry out, report what was happening, or ask for help in the way most children could.
Authorities have not released the child’s name.
Arrest, Arraignment, and Release
Following his arrest, Bianco was arraigned through the Orange County Centralized Arraignment Part before City of Middletown Judge Brockett.
He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Crawford Justice Court.
The court issued an order of protection prohibiting Bianco from being in contact with or near the victim.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are accusations. Bianco is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A System Meant to Protect Failed This Child — At Least Once
Bus aides are placed in a position of complete trust. They are responsible for some of the most vulnerable children in a community — children who often cannot speak for themselves, defend themselves, or report what is done to them.
When that trust is broken, the consequences can be devastating and deeply difficult to uncover.
This case is a reminder for parents, caregivers, and school districts to remain vigilant — and to listen closely, even when a child cannot use words.
Does this case concern you? Do you think more oversight is needed for school transportation staff working with disabled children? Share your thoughts in the comments — this conversation matters.
