Missouri church bus driver accused of sex crimes with passenger

A conviction for many types of sexual offenses in Missouri may bring a wide variety of consequences that go beyond the kinds of consequences typically implicated in other types of criminal cases. Most people know that a criminal conviction can involve the potential for jail or prison time, and other punitive measures imposed by the judge at sentencing. Prison time (including potential mandatory minimums) and fines may be imposed in a sex crime case. But, the law authorizes (or requires) other potential sanctions in sex crime cases that are not typically a part of many other types of cases.



Limitations of freedom while in the community may apply in issues– such as limitations on where a person may live. Registration as a sexual offender may also apply to some types of convictions for a sexual offense. These types of issues may be considered when analyzing a case and considering a criminal defense strategy.

A bus driver who works for a Laclede County, Missouri, church has been arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of felony sex crimes related to allegations involving a teenage passenger from the church bus.

Authorities say that the teen and her grandmother approached law enforcement to report alleged sexual incidents between the 51-year-old bus driver and the girl. Law enforcement apparently questioned the man about the allegations. Lebanon Police claim that the man admitted having gotten close with the girl and admitted that sexual acts had occurred between the two. A News account does not suggest that the man was represented by a defense lawyer when interrogated.

He now faces multiple counts of statutory rape and statutory sodomy related to the allegations. The charges are all class C felonies under Missouri law. The man reportedly has been released on $150,000 bond pending further court proceedings, with an appearance scheduled for early January.

Source: Lebanon Daily Record, “Lebanon man, 51, admits to several sex acts with teen,” Dec. 27, 2013