WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Derek Simpson, 35, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of child abuse following incidents captured on school bus cameras last week.

  • Recordings from September 18, 20
  • Simpson an ESE — Exceptional Student Education — assistant instructor
  • Simpson currently on paid administrative leave

"We have zero tolerance for any kind of abuse of students," said Pasco Schools Public Information Officer Linda Cobbe. "The only time you put your hands on a student is to protect others or the student himself." 

According to a Pasco Sheriff's Office arrest report, video recorded on September 18 and September 20 shows Simpson restraining the Wesley Chapel High School student by the wrist, shoving his left elbow into the side of his neck, and putting his body weight on him and pushing his head down with both hands.

The student is autistic and non-verbal, according to the sheriff's office, and was restrained to his seat by a four-point harness. 

Cobbe said the video came to the attention of district officials after a report that Simpson was being rough with the student. 

"The aide was behaving inappropriately. I've seen worse, but it doesn't excuse what he was doing to that child," said Cobbe. "I didn't see evidence on the video that the student was out of control."

No prior negative history

Cobbe said Simpson was hired by the district in April 2017 and has no prior discipline issues. He's an exceptional student education -- or ESE -- assistant instructor.

While Cobbe said he primarily worked with special education students in the classroom, he was assigned to ride the bus with this student following a meeting with the student's family on September 6.

"We have been involved with the family in situations on the bus, and they have viewed other bus video, and we've had meetings with the family to discuss the child," said Cobbe. She said she wan't able to go into further detail on those past situations.

"There are some actions he's doing that are a little bit over-aggressive," said Alexander Martinez, grandparent of a Pasco Schools student, after watching part of the video. "So, if he doesn't have the proper equipment to hold him, he doesn't have the proper training to do so, then he shouldn't be doing it."

Cobbe said ESE personnel go through a yearly, two-day training that covers how to de-escalate situations with non-verbal students in a non-violent way. Records show Simpson completed that training in January.

Cobbe said Simpson's behavior in the video did not reflect that training.

What next?

Simpson is on paid administrative leave. Cobbe said it would be up to the school board to vote on suspending him without pay.

The board's next meeting is scheduled for October 2.

In situations like this, Cobbe said the district typically waits until legal proceedings run their course before taking further action. She also said Simpson's contract with the district is up when the fiscal year ends in June, and Pasco Schools could choose not to renew that contract.