Former special education driver faces sexual assault trial in Placerville
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A former El Dorado County school transportation driver is facing multiple felony sexual assault charges in El Dorado County Superior Court, where a young woman with developmental disabilities testified this week about allegations involving a man who once transported her.
Tarik Rasheed “Ty” Manasrah, 45, is accused of sexually assaulting two developmentally disabled adult passengers while working as a special education transportation driver for the El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE).
Prosecutors allege both women were incapable of legally consenting to sexual activity because of their developmental disabilities.
The allegations involve incidents during Manasrah’s employment, which began in October 2021 and continued until mid-2023.
Investigation began with a passenger’s report
The criminal investigation began May 31, 2023, after the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office received a report concerning allegations against Manasrah.
Investigators subsequently arrested him Aug. 4, 2023, in Placerville.
According to reporting by CBS Sacramento at the time, Manasrah was initially arraigned on nine felony charges, including allegations involving oral copulation, sexual penetration, sodomy, sexual battery and lewd acts involving a dependent adult.
The charges included allegations of sexual conduct involving force and victims described by prosecutors as incapable of consent because of a mental disorder or developmental or physical disability.
Following the arrest, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit began contacting families of students who had been transported by Manasrah.
The investigation was ongoing when the initial charges were announced in August 2023.
Trial scheduled for October
The case has taken several years to reach trial.
In September 2026, Mountain Democrat reporter Lance Armstrong reported that Manasrah appeared before El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Mark A. Ralphs for a case readiness conference on Sept. 18.
During that hearing, the previously scheduled Oct. 13 jury trial date was maintained.
The proceedings are now underway in Placerville, where testimony from an alleged victim has brought the case before a jury.
Questions surrounding the protection of vulnerable passengers
The allegations have particular significance because the passengers were adults with developmental disabilities who depended on specialized transportation services to travel between their homes and educational programs.
The El Dorado County Office of Education provides educational services and transportation for students with special needs, including individuals participating in adult transition programs.
A November 2025 federal court document involving a separate civil lawsuit against EDCOE and Manasrah describes allegations concerning transportation safety and supervision.
The document reproduces part of EDCOE’s transportation policy, which states that GPS systems may be installed on school vehicles
“to enhance student safety and provide real-time location data to district and school administrators and parents/guardians.”
That civil proceeding concerns allegations of institutional responsibility and is separate from the criminal prosecution. Its allegations should not be interpreted as findings of criminal liability or proof of wrongdoing by the education agency.
The case remains before the jury
For the families of individuals who depend on specialized transportation, the allegations underscore the importance of safeguarding passengers who may be particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
The criminal case will determine whether prosecutors can establish the allegations against Manasrah beyond a reasonable doubt.
Manasrah is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
