Rochester School Bus Driver Faces Charges of Sexual Assault and Child Pornography

In a disturbing case that has emerged from Rochester, New York, a former school bus driver, Tomas Rosario, has been accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student and possessing child pornography. The allegations against Rosario, who was employed by Monroe Transportation Services and contracted by the Rochester City School District (RCSD), have sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious questions about the safety of children in school transportation.

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Legal Proceedings

According to reports from ABC 13, the accusations against the 74-year-old Rosario are grave. The young victim has come forward with claims that Rosario engaged in inappropriate conduct and potential abuse while she was being transported home from school. The incidents reportedly occurred in March, leading to Rosario's immediate dismissal from his position as a bus driver.

The charges laid against Rosario are severe and include sexual assault of a minor and possession of child pornography discovered on his mobile phone. These allegations have led to a broader investigation into Rosario's conduct and have prompted legal action from federal authorities.

The Legal Perspective: Understanding Survivors' Rights

In light of these serious allegations, we spoke with Thomas Giuffra, Esq., a renowned sexual abuse attorney based in New York, to gain insight into the legal avenues available to survivors of such crimes. Giuffra emphasized the importance of survivors coming forward and consulting with experienced attorneys to explore their options for seeking justice through civil litigation.

Survivors may pursue various legal claims against not only the perpetrator but also against entities that may have failed to prevent the abuse, such as transportation companies and school districts. These claims can include negligence, premises liability, and negligent hiring or supervision, among others.

Giuffra also highlighted the differences between criminal and civil cases, noting that while criminal cases aim to punish the offender, civil cases allow survivors to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered. He stressed the challenges survivors might face, such as statutes of limitations and the collection of evidence, but reassured that legal strategies and exceptions could help overcome these obstacles.

Advice for Survivors and the Path Forward

For survivors considering pursuing a civil case, Giuffra advises prioritizing their well-being and seeking support from professionals specializing in trauma and abuse. He encourages survivors to understand their legal rights and the potential challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of consulting with a knowledgeable attorney.

The case of Tomas Rosario serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and the critical need for vigilance and protective measures in school transportation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community and authorities alike are called upon to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future, and justice is served for the victims of these heinous acts.

The allegations against Rosario are currently under investigation, and he faces significant legal consequences if convicted. The Rochester City School District and Monroe Transportation Services have yet to comment on the ongoing case.

Source: 

https://legalherald.com/rochester-ny-rochester-city-school-district-bus-driver-tomas-rosario-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-a-student/