Mother of special needs child allegedly molested by school bus aide speaks out

WASHINGTON - The mother of a special needs child who was allegedly sexually abused by a Prince George's County school bus aide talked to FOX 5 about how her son has been affected by the incidents.

Michael Patopie has been charged with second-degree child abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, assault and other related charges involving a 4-year-old and 5-year-old who attend James Ryder Randall Elementary School in Clinton.

Police say video shows the 38-year-old man molesting the special needs children on a bus and that the incidents happened last year in November and in May of this year.

Child Protective Services contacted the mother we spoke with back in June after police were first made aware of the allegations. Seeking to stay anonymous, the mother told FOX 5 that she has seen the video and confirmed it is her son.

"He is not the same," she tearily said. "He is always quiet. Now he has these bouts of anger. He doesn't want to be touched … Bath time is a challenge. I have to talk him through bath time. 'I'm mommy. I'm not trying to hurt you.' It shouldn't be like this."

This mother wants Patopie brought to justice and wants answers from Prince George's County. She said that while she wants proper treatment for her son, she also hopes Patopie gets the treatment he needs.