Written by: E. George
Published November 20, 2023 @ 9:15 PM ET
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – On Thursday, November 9, 2023, authorities arrested 43-year-old former school bus driver Jayson Lyons for groping two juvenile students on his bus. According to a district spokesperson, school officials were alerted about Lyons’ actions on October 17 and immediately ceased his driving responsibilities.
Law enforcement believed he touched the two juveniles, both under the age of 16, between October 13 and 16 after the school day finished. He submitted his resignation on October 20, 2023.
After a thorough investigation, he was charged with sex crimes and child molestation and granted a $34K bond by a judge. Lyons denied providing a statement but said he would fight to clear his name and reputation.
Disturbed by the incidents and alarmed that such behavior could occur from school employees who have completed background checks, parents discussed preparing young children for danger in unexpected places they may perceive as safe. Some said it is never too early to teach them about these issues.
One parent, Ken Sobeck, said, “As soon as they can understand, I think kids should be told what to look out for.”
The school principal sent a letter home to parents expressing, “I want to reassure you we acted swiftly to investigate and address this situation. As soon as we were made aware of the allegations, we immediately contacted school police and the district’s Human Resources Division.”