NYC teaching assistant accused of touching 13-year-old girl's chest on school bus

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) --- A Department of Education worker is accused of touching a 13-year-old girl's chest on a New York City school bus in Manhattan on Tuesday, authorities said

Jose Nunez, 61, allegedly sat next to the teen on the bus before wrapping his arm around her and groping her breasts on 250 West Houston St., according to authorities. The girl shoved his arm away after the incident, police said.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were Kenny," the suspect said, according to the criminal complaint.

The girl's mom told PIX11 News her daughter is autistic and attends MS 297 on 75 Morton St. in the West Village.

Nunez, who is a paraprofessional with the Department of Education, was suspended and could be fired if he's convicted of the crime, according to a DOE spokesperson.

“This alleged behavior is completely unacceptable... There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our students," DOE spokesperson Jenna Lyle said in a statement.

Nunez was arrested and charged with sexual abuse, attempted sexual abuse, forcible touching, attempted sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the criminal complaint.

The defendant pleaded not guilty at his arr...