Barrington bus monitor accused of “inappropriately touching” student

BARRINGTON R.I. — A Barrington school bus monitor was accused of inappropriate touching by a student during a Thursday afternoon bus ride involving elementary school children, according to Police Chief Michael Correia.

While no charges have been filed, Correia said the case is being treated as a possible second-degree sexual assault.

In a letter to families, Superintendent Robert Wargo said the incident was reported to the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) as legally required, and that the district has launched its own internal investigation.

“All families directly connected to this matter have been contacted by the district and are being supported, including access to school counselors and other professional resources,” Wargo wrote.

A spokesperson for Ocean State Transit, the district’s transportation provider, confirmed the bus monitor was immediately placed on leave and that all routes have since been reassigned.

The school bus monitor was fired after a second student came forward with a similar allegation.