PLACERVILLE, Calif. (AP) — Two families have filed a federal lawsuit against the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) and former special education transportation driver Tarik Manasrah, alleging that he sexually assaulted their children during school transport.
The lawsuit, filed in El Dorado County Superior Court, also names the Buckeye Union School District as a defendant, citing negligence in hiring and supervision.
Manasrah, 42, was arrested in August 2023 by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office following a months-long investigation initiated after a dependent adult reported being sexually assaulted by him. He is currently held without bail in the El Dorado County Jail, facing felony charges related to sexual assault.
The complaint alleges that an 8-year-old nonverbal autistic boy was raped by Manasrah and subsequently tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease. The boy’s family reported unexplained early pickups and late drop-offs by Manasrah. The second alleged victim is a 4-year-old boy with ADHD and speech articulation issues, who disclosed to his mother and counselors that Manasrah inappropriately touched him.
“As far as justice, it happened, so for me, I look forward into the aspect of, how can we prevent other students, other children, and other special populations be protected?” said the 4-year-old’s mother, Kaitlyn Neumann.
The lawsuit claims that EDCOE and the Buckeye Union School District failed to investigate red flags, including parental complaints and Manasrah allegedly covering the van’s camera with a rag.
EDCOE stated that Manasrah passed required background checks by the state’s Department of Justice and the FBI during the hiring process. In a statement, EDCOE expressed deep concern over the allegations and affirmed their commitment to student safety and cooperation with law enforcement.
The attorneys representing the families are seeking other potential victims or information related to the case. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the pending criminal case but declined to comment further.
