JAMAICA, NY – A school bus driver from Long Island has been indicted on charges that include the kidnapping and rape of a 15-year-old student. The alleged incidents occurred multiple times this year, both at the man’s apartment in Queens and on the school bus he drove, according to authorities.
Giovanny Campos, 50, of Jamaica, pleaded not guilty to charges that include second-degree kidnapping, third-degree rape, two counts of third-degree criminal sex act, and reckless endangerment. This was announced on Thursday by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.
Campos is suspected of assaulting the Valley Stream student repeatedly from January to July, both on the school bus and at his home in Queens, states Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly. The Nassau County police Special Victims Squad arrested Campos at his home on September 28.
After pleading not guilty, Campos had his bail set at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, and $1.25 million partially secured bond. If convicted, he is facing a sentence of up to 25 years, and is due back in court on December 12.
Known also as Giovanny Guzman, Campos was previously an employee of the Cheese Bus Co., a company operating out of Jamaica. He drove a route that went from Central High School to North High School in Valley Stream.
“The defendant raped the child multiple times, including in a parking lot while still on the bus. The defendant also transported the teenager to his apartment in Jamaica,” shared officials when explaining the charges against Campos.
Campos has been suspended and subsequently fired by the Cheese Bus Co., the firm representing the company stated. The company has fully cooperated with the local law enforcement, they added.
Menachem White, Campos’ defense attorney, has declined to comment.
Wayne Loper, the Schools Superintendent, said in a statement to the community that the district utterly condemns the hateful crimes Campos stands accused of. He pleaded with any worried students to take advantage of their counseling services.