NJ School Bus Aide Accused of Sexually Assaulting Autistic Students
What happened
Where it happened
- Roselle, Union County.
What remains unclear
- An investigation found that Genao, who worked as a school bus aide, allegedly targeted teenage victims who rode on his assigned route.
- Prosecutor Daniel described the case as a “profound betrayal of trust” and emphasized that the investigation remains active as officials work to identify and support any additional victims.
- “We stand with them, we protect them, and we will continue to pursue justice with the care and commitment they deserve.” Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues.
ROSELLE, NJ — NJ School Bus Aide Accused of Targeting Autistic Students in Sexual Assault Case
A school bus aide in Union County has been arrested and charged after prosecutors say he sexually assaulted two autistic students he was responsible for transporting.
According to Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel, Federico Nicasio Genao, 69, of Paterson, faces two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by sexual contact and two counts of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact.
The charges stem from a report made to the Roselle Police Department on April 7.
An investigation found that Genao, who worked as a school bus aide, allegedly targeted teenage victims who rode on his assigned route. Authorities said one of the victims is non-verbal.
Genao was arrested on April 10 at the Roselle Police Department. He is currently being held at the Essex County Jail.
Prosecutor Daniel described the case as a “profound betrayal of trust” and emphasized that the investigation remains active as officials work to identify and support any additional victims.
In a joint statement, Roselle Police Chief Helder Freire and Mayor Donald Shaw said the arrest followed coordinated efforts between local detectives and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Our different abilities community is at the heart of Roselle,” the statement read. “We stand with them, we protect them, and we will continue to pursue justice with the care and commitment they deserve.”
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues.
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