Mother files $100,000 lawsuit against Manatee County School District after alleged restraint of autistic child

BRADENTON – A mother is seeking $100,000 in damages from the School District of Manatee County after a February incident where three school employees allegedly restrained her 7-year-old non-verbal autistic son with a nylon rope during recess at G.D. Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School. The lawsuit, filed on September 4 by Takeila Jones and her attorney, claims the district failed to protect her child and provide a safe educational environment.

According to court records, Exceptional Student Education teacher Carina Chindamo, 32, and teacher’s aides Taylor Internicola, 39, and Hydalmy Ortiz, 41, were arrested in February and charged with false imprisonment and battery. Investigators say video footage revealed the three employees tying the child to a chair with a nylon rope before sitting on it to prevent him from moving. The restraint, which occurred on February 2 during recess, reportedly lasted for nearly an hour. Bradenton Police detectives discovered additional footage from three prior incidents in January involving the same student, including one where Ortiz allegedly pushed the boy while he was tied up, causing him to fall.

The lawsuit names the School Board of Manatee County, Chindamo, Internicola, and Ortiz as defendants, accusing the district of failing in its "duty to hire, train, and supervise personnel to properly care for the school children of Manatee County." The legal action argues that the school district failed to provide a safe, secure, and harassment-free environment for the child.

Jones' attorney, Melton Little, claims the child sustained significant physical and emotional injuries, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and ongoing medical needs. The lawsuit states that these injuries are either permanent or continuing in nature, severely impacting the boy’s quality of life.

Jones' son reportedly struggled at home following the incident, experiencing trouble sleeping and showing signs of post-traumatic stress. His mother has since transferred him to another school to ensure his safety and well-being. Little noted that the family is still coping with the aftereffects.

The School District of Manatee County confirmed that Chindamo, Internicola, and Ortiz are no longer employed but did not provide further comment on the pending litigation.

Chindamo, Internicola, and Ortiz, each released on $10,000 bond in February, are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on October 23. Attorneys for the defendants have not yet issued any public statements.

The case has drawn public attention to the treatment of students with special needs in the district, raising questions about school safety, training, and accountability.