DOJ opens inquiry into Colorado school district

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According to Littleton Public Schools, the Department of Justice has formally opened an inquiry to determine whether any violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act occurred in the case of a former school bus aide accused of hitting and slapping students with special needs. Kiarra Jones pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including third-degree assault and child abuse earlier this week.

The declaration was made in a letter sent by Littleton Public Schools to parents this week. LPS stated in the letter that, "We do not know how long the inquiry will take, but we are committed to providing the DOJ any information or other support needed to complete its due diligence."

One alleged incident was caught on video showing the suspect punching a 10-year-old student with autism on a school bus. At least three students said they had been hurt by the aide.

The attorneys representing the families of those students released this statement regarding the DOJ inquiry, "Our clients, the parents of the three tortured and abused students intend to bring a civil rights lawsuit against LPS and TJS. These parents look forward to exposing the many deliberate failures by LPS (and TJS) that resulted in the horrific injuries suffered by these children. LPS chose not to inform the community of the DOJ investigation for weeks until forced to because of our clients' efforts. LPS has shamefully put greater effort into threatening critics rather than protecting its most vulnerable student population."

Jones was hired by Littleton Public Schools in August 2023 after the district said she passed a background check and had "satisfactory reference checks." Jones was arrested on April 4 after the incident was reported to the Englewood Police Department by Littleton police on March 28. She was released from the Arapahoe County Jail on a $5,000 bond on April 5.