Bond reduced for Neosho R-5 bus driver charged with child molestation, statutory sodomy

Judge Jacob Skouby reduced the bond Tuesday for a Neosho R-5 bus driver charged with two counts of child molestation and two counts of statutory sodomy.

The reduction of the bond for Michael David Coffey, 65, Neosho, from no bond to a $25,000 cash bond was made over the objection of the prosecuting attorney's office, according to Newton County Circuit Court online records.

In his motion for bond, Coffey's attorney, Duane Cooper, said his client had "significant family ties to the community," "does not pose a risk of flight," and "his criminal history is such that he does not present a threat to the community."

According to the probable cause statement, an underage girl disclosed during an interview at the Children's Center Friday that Coffey had touched her breasts and vagina and "had her engage in oral sex with him:

From the probable cause statement:

Contact was made with Michael David Coffey at his home where he was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with me. Mr. Coffey disclosed that the allegations made against him were not without merit and that he rubbed V1's body and under her clothes.

Coffey also acknowledged the oral sex allegation was true, according to the probable cause statement.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. March 10.

Coffey began working for the Neosho R-5 School District on January 7, 2025.