Former Bus Driver Pleads Not Guilty To Molesting Victim

The former Crawford County R-1 bus driver accused of molesting a victim while on the route has pleaded not guilty.

James H. Philpot, 73, made his plea Sept. 5 before Judge Meagan Seay.

Philpot is charged with two counts of second-degree child molestation with a victim under the age of 12.

Philpot appeared in person before Seay and waived his arraignment.

He remains in custody at the Crawford County Jail. 

Attempts at being released on bond have been denied. 

Philpot is scheduled to appear again for a trial setting Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.

Philpot’s case was bound over to the circuit court on July 27.

The prosecuting attorney’s office filed charges against Philpot in May, shortly after the victim accused him of inappropriately touching them on the school bus.

The incidents allegedly occurred April 27-28.

Philpot is accused of kissing the victim on the mouth.

The district provided video from the bus to law enforcement. 

Philpot was placed on administrative leave, with the district saying it continued to cooperate with the investigation.

Brad Van Zee has been brought in as a special prosecutor. Van Zee is currently the prosecuting attorney in Reynolds County.