Florida Paraprofessional Faces Child Abuse Charges for Using Nonverbal Student to Clean Up Urine

A 51-year-old paraprofessional at the Alden Road Exceptional Student Center in Jacksonville, Florida, is under investigation and facing charges of child abuse and assault after allegedly using a nonverbal student with autism to clean up urine. The incident occurred on July 7 when the boy, who frequently loses bladder control due to his condition, wet himself while seated in a chair.

According to a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by local authorities, Donald Heine pulled the student to the floor and used him "like a mop" to clean up the puddle of urine. The affidavit further states that Heine then cleaned the area with the boy's shirt before making him put it back on despite its soiled condition.

The boy reportedly communicated his distress through gestures after the incident, indicating he was upset about being forced to wear the dirty clothing home. Because the event happened later in the day, the student had no opportunity to change and went home wearing the urine-soaked garments.

The following day, Heine allegedly sprayed the same student with antiseptic spray when the boy spat on other students during a classroom session. Staff members reportedly intervened, asking him to stop, but Heine continued to use the spray despite their requests.

A teacher at Alden Road Exceptional Student Center has come forward to report that Heine had engaged in multiple "rough" interactions with the student throughout the school year, which she deemed unnecessary and harmful. These incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students under his supervision.

The boy's parents are now seeking additional charges against Heine beyond those already filed by local law enforcement. Duval County Public Schools has launched an internal investigation into the paraprofessional’s conduct, suspending him from campus until the probe is complete. Heine was taken to Duval County Jail on a $6,500 bond after his arrest warrant was issued on July 15.

The case highlights broader issues within special education settings regarding staff training and oversight mechanisms designed to protect vulnerable students. Advocates for children with disabilities are calling for stricter regulations and more comprehensive support systems in schools to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.