Carl Junction Schools: Former bus driver's alleged victim did not ride his bus

The following message was posted on the Carl Junction Schools Facebook page Saturday following the arrest Friday of former bus driver Dennis Frakes, 67, on charges of statutory sodomy and sex with a student, both felonies.

Dear Carl Junction Family,

Yesterday (Friday), the former driver on bus #4, Dennis Frakes, was arrested for inappropriate behaviors with a student. The minor is a former Carl Junction student and was not a rider on his bus route.

The district received a report on October 25. Within an hour of learning of this situation, Frakes was given due process and released from his employment at Carl Junction Schools.

The matter was hotlined and turned over to Carl Junction Police Department. This has been an open investigation until his arrest yesterday.

If you have additional information that would aid in the investigation, please call the Carl Junction Police Department at 417-649-7070.

As always, we value your partnership in keeping students safe - If you see something, say something.

Frakes is being held in the Jasper County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.