Ulster County resident Eric J. Bianco, 59, of Cragsmoor, was arrested on Friday, May 15, and charged with first-degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person, according to the Town of Crawford Police Department.
According to police, Bianco worked as a bus aide for First Student, Inc. and is accused of abusing a juvenile victim during two separate incidents.
Authorities allege Bianco slapped the victim in the face, struck the victim’s hand, kneed the victim, forcibly grabbed and twisted the victim’s wrist, and raised a clenched fist in an aggressive manner, causing the victim to fear physical injury.
Police said the victim was being transported to the Center for Discovery in Harris and has cerebral palsy, is nonverbal, and has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Bianco was arraigned through the Orange County Centralized Arraignment Part before Middletown City Court Judge Brockett.
Following the arraignment, he was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in Crawford Town Court on May 18. Authorities said the court also issued an order of protection.
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