Bus Aide Accused of Slapping a Nonverbal Child in Ulster County

A Ulster County man is facing a felony charge after police say he abused a physically disabled juvenile while working as a bus aide for a local transportation company.

Bus Aide Allegedly Slaps Juvenile in Ulster County, NY

According to a press release issued by the Town of Crawford Police Department, a 59-year-old Ulster County man has been arrested after police say he assaulted a juvenile while transporting them on a school bus.

Police said that Eric J. Bianco of Cragsmoor was arrested on Friday, May 15th, 2026, and charged with Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent/Physically Disabled Person in the First Degree, a Class E felony.

What Happened?

According to police, the arrest stems from two separate incidents involving a juvenile victim while Bianco was employed as a bus aide with First Student, Inc. Investigators didn't reveal the victim's name but did say that Bianco allegedly subjected the victim to both physical and threatening conduct during transport.

According to the felony complaint, Bianco allegedly slapped the victim in the face, struck the victim’s hand, kneed the victim, and forcibly grabbed and twisted the victim’s wrist. Authorities also allege that he aggressively raised a clenched fist toward the victim in a threatening manner.

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Police said the victim, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, was being transported to the Center for Discovery.

Following his arrest, Bianco was arraigned through the Orange County Centralized Arraignment Part before City of Middletown Judge Brockett. He was later released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Crawford Justice Court on May 18th, 2026.

The court also issued an order of protection prohibiting Bianco from being around the victim.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.