News Releases

MCPS Bus Operator Charged with Sexual Offenses

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 6, 2018

Montgomery County Police Special Victims Investigations Detectives have been investigating the report of sexual offenses by a Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) bus operator.

The investigation revealed that on Tuesday, July 31 at approximately 12:30 p.m., a MCPS school bus transporting students receiving special education services was stopped in the area of Yates Road in Silver Spring. During the time that the school bus attendant left the bus to assist in the drop off of another student, the driver who remained on the bus, sexually assaulted the 12-year-old female victim. The investigation resulted in charges for inappropriate sexual contact.

The school bus camera captured video of the assault.

Bus operator Etienne K. Kabongo, age 62, of the 7800 block of Mineral Springs Drive in Gaithersburg was arrested on August 5 and charged with second-degree rape, third-degree sexual offense and the sexual abuse of a minor. He is currently being held without bond and is expected to have a bond review today at 1 p.m.

Special Victims Investigations Detectives are concerned that there are other victims. Etienne Kabongo, is known as "Mr. Steve" to some students, and has worked since 2006 as a bus operator, primarily driving for students receiving special needs education, at multiple schools across the County. Anyone who is concerned that a child has been victimized by Kabongo is asked to call detectives at 240-773-5400.

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lehb

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Release ID: 18-321
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases, sexual-offense