Bond set at $100,000 for Bentonville school bus driver

 Joshua Edward Bell
Joshua Edward Bell

BENTONVILLE -- A Bentonville School District bus driver was being held in the Benton County Jail on $100,000 bond Wednesday.

Joshua Edward Bell, 26, of Rogers was arrested Monday in connection with two counts of rape. He is accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, according to court documents.

His bond was set Wednesday by District Judge Jeff Conner, who presides over Benton County West in Gentry.

A girl, now 15, told her parents her bus driver -- Bell -- had raped her at their home, according to a probable cause affidavit. The girl was interviewed at the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County, according to court documents.

The affidavit states the teen reported Bell also made suggestive comments to her while they were on the school bus. The girl also accused Bell of touching her inappropriately while she was on the bus, according to the affidavit.

The girl reported Bell came to her home after school ended last year and he raped her, according to court documents.

Bell was interviewed and he admitted having sex with the girl, but said the act was consensual, according to the affidavit. Bell claimed the girl invited him to her home, according to the affidavit.

Bell also admitted to having inappropriate contact with the girl while she was on the bus, the affidavit states.

"The safety of our students is our top priority," said Leslee Wright, the School District's communications director. "This employee was immediately suspended upon learning of this situation. We're cooperating fully with detectives and will take the appropriate action once we have all the facts."

Bell is suspended with pay, but Superintendent Debbie Jones has signed termination papers and will recommend Bell's firing at Monday's board meeting, Wright said.

Bell passed three background checks when he was hired, according to Wright.

Prosecutors haven't filed formal charges against Bell. His arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. June 19 in Circuit Judge Robin Green's court.

NW News on 05/11/2017

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