ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A former Albuquerque bus driver learned how much she'll spend behind bars for abusing a special needs student. Last year, Debbie Chavira was caught on camera multiple times abusing the child. Surveillance video showed her hitting the student, who is autistic and non-verbal, with an open hand, fist, and a bus sign.

On Tuesday, a teacher who works with the student spoke. "Since the incident occurred, [student] exhibited ongoing distress and difficulty associated with riding the bus, which has negatively impacted his access to his education."

In August, Chavira pleaded guilty to three counts of child abuse. Judge Emeterio Rudolfo sentenced her to one year behind bars.

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