The student said she received messages from an unknown number after being asked to fill out a form by the driver, according to the sheriff’s office.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla — A local school bus driver was taken into custody on Monday after the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported that he attempted to initiate a romantic relationship with a student.
Edward Betancur-Zabala, 36, was taken into custody following an investigation by SJSO’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit.
The student involved, whose age remains undisclosed, was reportedly asked by her bus driver to complete a form requesting her phone number and other personal details, as stated by SJSO. A few days later, she informed a school resource deputy that she had been receiving flirtatious messages from an unknown number, which identified itself as an “admirer.”
This prompted ICAC detectives to step in, impersonating the student to continue communications with Betancur-Zabala. The SJSO cited him expressing interest in the victim, claiming that he noticed her noticing him, and expressed a desire to meet her in person.
During these interactions, the suspect allegedly mentioned to SJSO that they wouldn’t engage much in conversation and sought to keep their exchanges discreet. He inquired if there were cameras in her vicinity, remarking, “it’s very dangerous…someone from school can see us,” and added the intention of greeting her with a kiss.
Instead, body camera video shared by SJSO shows him being greeted by detectives and handcuffs.
Officials said he was arrested after sending a picture to detectives showing where he was parked in the neighborhood.
“The victim in this case is to be commended for immediately notifying her school resource deputy and not engaging in conversations with the suspect,” stated SJSO. The agency urges anyone with additional information or those who suspect they might have been victimized by Betancur-Zabala to reach out directly or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.
First Coast News has requested Betancur-Zabala’s arrest report and is working to find out his employment status.
