LI Bus Driver Charged In Student's Rape Faced Prior Allegation: Report

VALLEY STREAM, NY — A bus driver, who was charged with raping a Valley Stream high school student last year, had to complete a sex offender program and faced a prior allegation of sexual abusing a minor a decade ago, Newsday reported.

According to the article, records indicate that district officials did not sign off on the hire of Giovanny Campos, 51, who drove for Cheese Bus Inc., Newsday said.

The Queens-based company hired him in 2022 based on a job application and resume, which did not include any references or work experience within the previous 17 years, according to Newsday.

Campos is being held in Nassau County jail in lieu of $150,000 cash bail. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree kidnapping, third-degree rape, third-degree criminal sex act, and acting in a manner injurious to a child, according to online court records.

Campos is represented by attorney Jeffrey Weinen, who told Patch that the previous allegation will not necessarily have an impact on his client.

"What my understanding is, that issue was adjudicated and sealed, meaning that it can't come in as evidence in another case," Weinen said.

He said any public hearing could be brought forward if Campos were to stand trial.

"However, if I'm trying this case, I would certainly file a motion to preclude any of that evidence from coming in here," he said.

Click here to read the full Newsday article.