Former Fresno Unified school bus driver on trial, accused of child molestation
Jeffrey Sipes, the former Fresno Unified bus driver accused of child molestation and having child pornography, liked to take photos of young girls at the grocery store, in front of his mobile home and even from his school bus, a Fresno police detective testified Wednesday.
Sipes, 57, is on trial before Judge Gary D. Hoff, charged with multiple felonies, including lewd and lascivious act with a minor under 14 years old, rape, and sexual penetration with a foreign object.
The defendant opted against a trial by jury, preferring to have Judge Hoff decide his fate.
His attorney Eric Schweitzer argued during his opening statement that Sipes pleaded no contest to possessing the child pornography, but denied he is a child molester.
Detective David Wilkin testified that police received a tip from the federal Internet Crimes against Children task force about child pornography emails that had been received and downloaded in the Fresno area.
Sipes allegedly used the term “busman” as part of his email address. Detectives eventually traced the trail of illicit photos that led to Sipes, who was arrested.
Deputy District Attorney Kaitlin Drake said during her opening statement the child never reported the molestation out of fear. Drake alleges the child was around age 10 when the abuse started, and it continued for five years.
Schweizter claims the charges are phony and are the result of a vindictive ex-wife and an overzealous investigation by detectives.
He also alleges the woman has also accused other family members of child molestation.
“She has weaponized (the child) against others,” Schweitzer said.
The trial continues Thursday in Dept. 71.
