ROGERS, Ark. — The Rogers school bus driver accused of sexually assaulting a student, has pleaded not guilty according to Benton County Prosecutor, Joshua Robinson.
According to the Rogers Police Department (RPD), 59-year-old Rafael Ballesteros was arrested on March 7 for allegedly assaulting a female student. School officials state he has worked for the school for over six years.
The affidavit stated the student said that Ballesteros sexually assaulted her multiple times between 2021-2023, by making him touch his "private parts." She also said the bus driver took her to a gas station to bribe her with treats. All of this, would happen when they were alone in the bus, the child said.
When interviewed by police, Ballesteros denied ever touching the student inappropriately but said he "may have accidentally touched [her] while buckling her seatbelt."
Ballesteros was placed on paid administrative leave, according to the school district.
According to court documents, Ballesteros had multiple domestic violence offenses out of California and Arkansas between 1989 and the mid-90s that had been dismissed. In 2008, he was found guilty of domestic assault, the affidavit said.
Ballesteros was released on a $100,000 bond on March 9 and appeared in court on April 15, where charges were formally filed. He pleaded not guilty and new court date was set for May 14, according to Robinson.
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