Jerome McNabb, 72, of Pine Grove, was arrested Friday evening after a video on social media showed a school bus driver punching and even kicking a child on April 29, 2022 in St. Helena Parish.
It appears the incident caught on video took place after school let out on Friday afternoon.
The video was brought to the attention of St. Helena Parish Schools Superintendent Kelli Joseph, who spoke with St. Helena Parish Sheriff Nat Williams.
“It’s something we will not tolerate. The superintendent called us and showed us the video. He was arrested immediately,” said Sheriff Williams.
Jerome is charged with one count of simple battery on a juvenile but the investigation continues and additional charges could be pending.
“We immediately investigated the actions of the driver of the bus company that is contracted to transport our learners. A review of the video resulted in a referral of this matter to the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office,” said Joseph.
McNabb is not employed by the school district itself, but instead is a contracted bus driver. Joseph said he has been terminated effective immediately.
Unfiltered with Kiran did ask what, if anything, led up to the incident on the school bus and if McNabb had an explanation for his actions. Joseph said, “There’s no excuse! There’s no excuse!”
Plus, sources said the child has been known to be a “problem child” but by no means “are McNabb’s actions acceptable.”
Sheriff Williams said McNabb has had a previous run in with the law, but did not have details readily available on his past charge(s).
