MOCO School Bus Driver Raped 12-Year-Old: Police

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Montgomery County school bus driver Etienne Kabongo, 62, now officially faces charges of rape and other related charges after sexually abusing a 12-year-old, police say. Known to students as "Mr. Steve," Kabongo allegedly raped the girl on his bus transporting kids to special education services.

Police say a video camera on the bus captured the July 31 assault in Silver Spring, according to WTOP, and that he it happened while an attendant left the bus to help drop another student off.

Kabongo faces charges of second-degree rape, third-degree sexual offense and the sexual abuse of a minor. He was arrested Aug. 5, WBFF reported.

WTOP reports Kabongo has been working for Montgomery County Public Schools since 2006, usually driving buses for students with special education needs.

“Words cannot convey my anger, disgust and disappointment in the alleged behavior of Mr. Kabongo,” said Superintendent Jack Smith. “Abusing a position of trust and authority to take advantage of the most vulnerable among us is despicable. This behavior is a violation of our values and policies, as well as the law, and it will not be tolerated," WTOP reported.

Smith is pushing to install cameras on all school buses in Montgomery County.

Montgomery County schools have published a list of Kabongo's routes between 2009 and now. Police believe there may be other victims, so anybody with information is urged to call detectives at 240-773-5400.

The Montgomery County Council released the following statement:

Montgomery County condemns all forms of sexual abuse and harassment. The safety and security of students in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is our top and most important priority. Our hearts ache for the student, who endured this horrific act of sexual violence, and her family.

In April the Council’s Education Committee met with Dr. Jack Smith, Superintendent of Schools, and MCPS leadership for a briefing on the school system’s child abuse and neglect policies. While Montgomery County’s Board of Education is ultimately responsible for establishing and implementing these policies, we will continue to work together to provide the funding needed for training to prevent and spot sexual abuse and harassment and for the security equipment and personnel necessary to protect our students, especially those who cannot speak for themselves.

We encourage any other students or individuals, who may have been victimized by the accused, or their family members to contact the Montgomery County Police Department at 240-773-5400.

Kabongo is being held without bond.

Article image Montgomery County Police Department