A Polk County school bus driver has been arrested and charged with sexual battery against children.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Carlos Ojeda, 72, of Haines City abused two special-needs students, both girls, while on the bus. And two more victims have come forward.

  • Carlos Ojeda, 72, arrested on 10 counts of sexual battery
  • Ojeda allegedly assaulted 4 girls younger than 12
  • Alleged acts took place while Ojeda was working as school bus driver

A student at Horizons Elementary School in Davenport told his school counselor that he saw Ojeda place his hands down two different female students' pants on several different occasions on the school bus, according to an arrest affidavit.

On Friday, two more potential victims were interviewed by investigators. The females each said they were abused by Ojeda at least one time on the bus, and they were given candy afterward.

The victims were younger than 12. All of the children on the bus are special-needs students.

Ojeda is facing 10 counts of capital sexual battery. He has been suspended without pay. The Polk School Board will vote on his termination later this month.

"I am angry and deeply saddened," Superintendent Jacqueline M. Byrd said. "Parents entrust us every day with the most precious thing in their lives: their children. Their safety is our highest priority."

A review of the school bus video surveillance system shows Ojeda on April 8, 11 and 12, motioning to a girl to approach him, showing her a piece of candy.

During each occasion, once the girl is within arm's length, Ojeda pulls her toward him, physically sexually batters her out of sight of other students in the stairwell by touching her under her clothing, then gives her candy and she goes back to her seat.

After his arrest, Ojeda told detectives he sexually battered the two girls eight times. When arrested, he had candy in his pocket, authorities said.

"There are no words to describe the depravity displayed by this suspect," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Together with the Polk County School Board we are committed to keeping children safe."

An investigation is ongoing.