Chief Scott J. McNamara reports that the Methuen Police Department arrested and charged two women in connection with the physical abuse of a 10-year-old child on a bus contracted with Methuen Public Schools.
NANCY VASQUEZ, AGE 56, OF LAWRENCE, was arrested and charged with:
- Assault and Battery on a Disabled Person
MARLENE CRUZ, AGE 38, OF LAWRENCE, was arrested and charged with:
- Permitting Abuse of a Disabled Person
On Friday, Sept. 29, Methuen Public Schools contacted the Methuen Police Department regarding an inquiry they received from the parents of a student. A School Department investigation found that a bus monitor had physical contact with the child, and that the bus driver failed to intervene or report the matter.
MPS contracts with the bus company to provide transportation for students who attend school outside the District.
As a result of a further investigation, Methuen Police obtained arrest warrants from Lawrence District Court for VASQUEZ, identified as the bus monitor, and CRUZ, identified as the bus driver.
VASQUEZ and CRUZ were arrested Tuesday. They were arraigned Tuesday in Lawrence District Court.
VASQUEZ was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing which is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 6. CRUZ was released on personal recognizance, with conditions that she not contact the victim or their family, the victim’s school, VASQUEZ or the bus company. She is also prohibited from working with children. She is due back in court on Nov. 3 for a pre-trial conference.
“I would like to thank Methuen Public Schools for immediately bringing this incident to our attention upon learning about it,” said Chief McNamara. “It was the school department’s prompt and thorough response to a parent’s concerns that prompted this investigation.”
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty. The Methuen Police will make no further comment. Media members are asked to contact the Essex District Attorney’s Office.