Mother Sues Manatee County School Over Restraint Incident

Takeila Jones has filed a lawsuit against the School Board of Manatee County and three former employees, claiming negligence after her 7-year-old son with autism was allegedly tied to a chair for an hour during recess at G.D. Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School. The lawsuit, seeking $100,000 in damages, follows the arrests of teachers Carina Chindamo, Taylor Internicola, and aide Hydalmy Ortiz, who face charges of false imprisonment and battery. Security footage reportedly shows the staff restraining the child with a nylon rope and taking turns sitting on the chair to prevent him from escaping. Jones alleges that the school district failed to adequately train its staff for the Exceptional Student Education program and to provide a safe environment for students. The incident has left her son with injuries and emotional distress, necessitating medical attention upon his return home. The former employees are scheduled for a court hearing on October 23.