A former Boston school bus driver has been charged in connection with the death of a five-year-old boy who was run over after getting off the bus last year. Jean Charles, 39, of Brockton, pleaded not guilty on Thursday to involuntary manslaughter, reckless motor vehicular homicide and negligent motor vehicle homicide.
The charges relate to the death of Lens Arthur Joseph, a kindergartener at UP Academy Charter School, who was struck and killed on 28 April 2025 in Hyde Park. Prosecutors allege a series of failures led to the tragedy, including missed safety checks, a wrong stop and a breakdown in crossing protocols.
Assistant District Attorney Ursula Knight said Charles failed to conduct a pre-trip inspection that would have revealed a broken safety crossing arm and a flat tyre. He also missed the designated stop, dropping the child across the street from his home. Without checking his mirrors or ensuring Lens had reached safety, Charles accelerated, causing the child to be pulled under the bus.
Prosecutors also detailed a history of incidents involving Charles, including striking a postal truck shortly before the fatal crash and failing to report it. His employer, Transdev, said Charles also hit a car that day, which should have led to his removal from the route. The company revealed his school bus certification had lapsed in December 2024. Charles resigned in May 2025 ahead of a termination hearing.
Charles was released on $15,000 bail and ordered not to drive and to surrender his passport. He is due back in court on 11 May. His attorney, Kenneth Anderson, described the case as a 'tragic accident' and expressed condolences to the family. The child's family has filed a civil lawsuit against Charles and Transdev, alleging negligence in hiring, training and supervision.
