Ex-HISD bus driver accused of molesting 7-year-old girl

HOUSTON – Video is the main evidence in the case, and during a long day of testimony, the defense and prosecutors continually disagreed over what it actually shows.
Johnathan Palmares, 46, was arrested last year after a 7-year-old girl claimed he molested her on his bus.

Wednesday, the jury saw video from a bus security camera that prosecutors say proves the crime took place.

In the video, Palmares is seen talking to the girl while his bus is parked outside Gross Elementary School, one of three Houston Independent School District elementary schools on Palmares' route.

The video shows him talking to the girl, she appears to attempt to leave twice, but each time Palmares appears to block her.

The video shows him touching her frequently as they talk, and at one point pull her toward him.

On the stand, HISD Safety Inspector Eddie Meyers testified that Palmares shouldn't have touched the girl in any way.

“Touching is inappropriate,” Meyers said.

On the video, Palmares appears to put his hand in the girl's lap and prosecutors said he was touching her genitals through her pants.

Palmares' attorneys contend the video doesn't show sexual contact at all, and Palmares merely touched the girl's hand.

On the stand, Meyers didn't agree.

As defense attorney Drandon Cammack questioned him, the exchange grew heated, with Meyers saying he believed the video showed Palmares cornering the girl and fondling her.

“He's acting like he is sexually attracted to this girl. If you want to know how I feel, that's how I feel,” Meyers said.