School district employee accused of sex crimes in St. Johns County

St. Augustine, Fla. — Action News Jax just received the arrest report for a St. Johns County school bus aide accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old child with special needs.

Dean Franklin Heaton is charged with sexual battery and several counts of lewd and lascivious behavior.

According to the arrest report, there’s video evidence of Heaton abusing the child on the school bus.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Read: DCPS superintendent shares a message with Jacksonville residents of her last day being in office

The victim reported inappropriate behavior on April 27.

An investigation was conducted by the Child Protection Team, and Heaton was arrested on June 1.

Action News Jax reached out to the St. Johns County school district.

Read: JSO releases calls-for-service on illegal panhandling so far this year

We learned that Heaton has worked for the district since August 2014.

He was placed on administrative leave while the investigation was underway.

On June 2, the superintendent of schools hand-delivered a letter to the jail stating the district’s intent to recommend the termination of his employment.

Heaton, 67, is currently being held in the St. Johns County jail.

Read: Body identified that was pulled to shore at Jacksonville Beach by paddleboarder

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.