A former Irving ISD bus aide landed in Dallas County Jail on a felony child grooming charge after touching an elementary school student on a school bus, per Irving police.
Juan Jose Gonzalez, 75, was arrested on April 9, according to an April 16 police department news release.
Irving ISD notified the police department after an 8-year-old girl told her mother about the incident and the mother reported it to the district, according to an arrest affidavit. The girl said in a forensic interview that Gonzalez placed his hand on her leg, complimented her pretty hair, and adjusted her skirt, CBS News Texas reported.
“The defendant’s actions clearly made the victim uncomfortable and was inconsistent with normal behavior,” the affidavit stated, per CBS News.
Surveillance video from inside the bus confirmed the girl’s account, showing Gonzalez touching her leg five times, touching her hair, and adjusting the front of her skirt, the affidavit says.
Gonzalez told detectives there could be other victims. He worked for the district from February 2023 until his firing last week.
Irving ISD said in a statement that officials are cooperating with the police investigation.
“A message was sent to the families of students who have been identified as having possibly come into contact with the individual. We understand this news may be concerning. We encourage parents to talk with their children and remind them to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe,” the statement said, per CBS.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Det. Cloud at 972-721-3535 or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can go to [email protected].