Former Lompoc School Employee Pleads Guilty to Willful Cruelty of a Special Needs Child

Arthur Leroy Carlos (Photo: SB Sheriff’s Office)

Source: Santa Barbara County District Attorney

Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley announced today that Arthur Leroy Carlos, 52, pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of willful cruelty to a child in his care or custody, in violation of Penal Code § 273a(b). Mr. Carlos was charged in connection with his infliction of unjustifiable physical pain and mental suffering on a 10-year-old special needs student that occurred on a Lompoc Unified School District bus on October 16, 2018. At the time of the offense, Mr. Carlos was employed as an attendant on the school bus and was responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the children in his care.

The defendant entered his guilty plea at an arraignment in front of Judge Montes De Oca in the Lompoc Superior Court. He was sentenced to probation for a period of four years with the following terms and conditions; serve 10 days jail time, pay $675.00 in fines and fees, obey all laws, pay restitution, have no contact with the victim or his parents, pay booking fees to the arresting agency, and do not own or possess any firearm or illegal weapon while on probation.