A school bus aide in Pennsylvania has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses following allegations that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old student with special needs. The incident, which reportedly occurred over two days on a bus transporting students to an extended school year program, also involves accusations that the aide used his cellphone to photograph and record the student. The Bensalem Township Police Department announced the arrest of Ali Khan, 62, who faces charges including endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, and indecent assault.
Allegations Surface After Parent Report
The investigation began when the parents of the 14-year-old girl contacted police on Thursday, July 30th. They reported that their daughter had allegedly been subjected to inappropriate touching by a bus aide earlier that day. Authorities stated that their subsequent investigation indicated Khan had touched the student multiple times on both Wednesday, July 29th, and Thursday, July 30th, while she was a passenger on the bus headed to Bensalem High School’s extended school year program.
Surveillance Footage Key to Investigation
Investigators reportedly reviewed surveillance footage from inside the bus, which provided crucial evidence. According to police, the video showed Khan directing the student to a specific seat. The footage then appeared to capture Khan inappropriately touching the girl while he was assisting her with her seatbelt and after she was seated. Further analysis of the surveillance video suggested that Khan may have engaged in sexual conduct with the student and used his cellphone to take photographs or record her during these alleged encounters.
Khan was taken into custody and is being held at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. He was able to post bail, which was set at $500,000, requiring 10% to be paid. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 11, 2026, though the incident remains under active investigation.
School District and Police Emphasize Student Safety
In the wake of the arrest, both the Bensalem Township Police Department and the Bensalem Township School District issued statements emphasizing their commitment to student safety. Police commended the victim for her courage in coming forward and thanked the school district for its cooperation. “The safety and well-being of our students continues to be the top priority of both the Bensalem Township Police Department and the Bensalem School District,” read a joint statement.
The school district confirmed that Ali Khan was immediately removed from service and barred from district property pending the results of both the criminal and administrative investigations. “The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” a district spokesperson stated. “Whenever concerns involving student safety are brought to our attention, we act immediately to protect students, support families, and cooperate fully with law enforcement. We are committed to conducting a thorough administrative review while respecting the integrity of the criminal investigation.”
The district further affirmed its full cooperation with law enforcement and its intention to continue its own internal investigation in accordance with established policies and legal requirements. The incident underscores the critical importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable students within educational settings.
Broader Context of Student Protection
Cases involving alleged abuse of students, particularly those with special needs who may be more vulnerable, often trigger intense scrutiny and prompt thorough reviews of safety protocols within school systems. The involvement of surveillance technology on school transportation is becoming increasingly common as districts seek to enhance security and accountability. These measures are designed not only to deter misconduct but also to provide clear evidence should an incident occur.
The legal proceedings will follow the standard course, with Khan expected to appear for his preliminary hearing. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover all facts surrounding the allegations. The Bensalem Township School District and police department have pledged transparency and thoroughness in their respective reviews, reinforcing their dedication to maintaining a secure environment for all students.
The community awaits further developments as the legal process unfolds. The focus remains on ensuring justice for the alleged victim and reinforcing the safeguards in place to prevent such incidents from happening again. The district’s proactive stance in removing the accused employee and cooperating with authorities signals a strong commitment to student welfare.
