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SJC bus aide charged with sexually assaulting student with disabilities, special needs fosters kids

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A St. Johns County school bus aide accused of inappropriately touching a teen student with disabilities also fosters his own kids with special needs. That’s according to neighbors who said they’re shocked to hear about the 67-year-old’s arrest.

“I was shocked when my daughter called me. I said ‘It can’t be!’,” Charlie Daigle said. He’s lived next to the Heatons for about three decades. “I’m a pretty good judge of character — being involved with the community like I am — I would’ve never thought he’d turn out like that.”

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Daigle said Heaton didn’t just work with kids with disabilities in his professional life, they were in his personal life too.

Chive Charities gives grants to those working to do good. According to its website, the Heatons have fostered and adopted several children with special needs.

The organization donated more than $62,000 for a new, wheelchair-accessible van. Several pictures on the organization’s website show Heaton with his kids and wife.

Action News Jax Robert Grant reached out to Heaton’s wife, but she had no comment.

Daigle had only good things to say about her. “She’s so sweet. You know I don’t think she ever really knew that man,” he said.

Heaton’s personnel file with St. Johns County Schools showed a history of misconduct dating back to March 2017. One incident included “bullying” and “intimidating” a student with disabilities.

READ: Report shows St. Johns County bus aide charged with lewd conduct had history of misconduct

In a statement, a representative for the St. Johns County School District said, “Immediate action was taken on each incident and progressive discipline was applied.”

Action News Jax also contacted Chive Charities for comment on this most recent arrest, but they have not yet responded. We also asked the Department of Children and Families if it’s investigating. The agency is still processing our request.

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