LARGO – Deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Pinellas County Schools employee on a child abuse charge following an incident at Oakhurst Elementary School.
According to investigators, on September 15, 2025, 65-year-old David Jones was working as a substitute classroom assistant in a special needs classroom. Deputies say that after lunch, a 6-year-old student, who is autistic and semi-verbal, began hitting and kicking as a form of communication. Jones allegedly swung a lunch box containing a metal canister, striking the child in the face and causing a welt on the forehead.
On September 16, 2025, deputies interviewed Jones, who admitted to the incident and described it as a “knee jerk” reaction. He acknowledged that he was aware the child had special needs.
Jones was arrested and charged with one count of child abuse. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that any questions regarding Jones’ employment should be directed to Pinellas County Schools. The investigation remains ongoing.