Police Reopen Probe Into School Transport Escort Over Inappropriate Comments to Disabled Girl
Israel Police have reopened an investigation into a school transport escort who was recorded making inappropriate proposals to a 13-year-old girl with cerebral palsy. The suspect was reassigned to another route by the municipality.
An investigation has been reopened by the Israel Police following a complaint by a mother of a 13-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and a rare syndrome. The mother, a former police officer, placed a recording device in her daughter's school transport bag after noticing suspicious behavior from an adult male escort assigned to the vehicle by a municipality in central Israel.
To her shock, the recording captured the escort making inappropriate suggestions to the teenager, who has special needs and is unable to protect herself or fully comprehend such situations.
The Recorded Conversation
According to the transcript provided by the mother, the escort discussed taking the girl to the beach during their commute to school. On the recording, the escort is heard saying:
"We are going to the beach... we said we are going to the beach... okay, tomorrow... but there are no swimsuits... I don't have a swimsuit either... we will go in naked... oh dear, the police will come and think we are crazy."
The girl did not respond to his statements.
Prior to this incident, the mother had requested a female escort for her daughter for over two years, citing concerns as the girl reached adolescence. In April, the transport staff was changed, and the mother began noticing worrying signs. The escort brought the girl gifts, such as coloring books and stickers, and repeatedly ignored requests not to fasten the girl's seatbelt, which she could do herself, in order to avoid physical contact.
Municipality and Police Response
Upon discovering the recording, the mother filed complaints with both the Israel Police and the local municipality. She expected the escort to be suspended immediately. However, she was devastated to learn that he was merely reassigned to a different school transport route.
An internal municipal document confirmed that an official complaint was filed and that an inquiry was launched by the city's officer for the prevention of sexual harassment. The municipality stated that the mother refused to hand over the recording during their initial inquiry, citing the ongoing police investigation.
In a statement, the municipality said:
"We take our duty to protect the safety and security of students using our transport services with the utmost seriousness. We invite the mother to submit the full recording directly to our officer for the prevention of sexual harassment."
The Israel Police initially closed the case after receiving the complaint. However, following a reassessment of the evidence, authorities announced that the investigation has been officially reopened to uncover the truth.
