ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A St. Lucie County school bus driver is facing serious child sex crime charges after a 9-year-old student reported that he asked her to lift her dress during a morning bus ride—an allegation deputies say is supported by her statements and an extensive criminal investigation.
CBS12 News acquired the arrest affidavit of 71-year-old Edwin Garcia on Wednesday after he was taken into custody after detectives reviewed multiple incidents reported by the child and launched an investigation into his behavior on the school bus.
Deputies say the case began when the girl and her mother told a school resource deputy that Garcia had asked the young child to raise her dress while she was seated on the bus. The deputy began investigating immediately, finding evidence that Garcia had made additional inappropriate comments and may have pinched the child over her clothing in the pelvic area.
The affidavit outlines further allegations, stating the child later described a pattern of unsettling interactions with Garcia, including repeated comments and requests directed at her during the route to school during the months of February and March.
Garcia allegedly commented to the young girl, “Finger licking good.”
In addition to her account, a St. Lucie County School employee told investigators that Garcia is known as “the creepy guy” around the schoolboard and there have been previous allegations from other young girls that were unsubstantiated.
Garcia was arrested on March 6 and charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a victim under 12 by an offender over 18—both serious felonies under Florida law. He was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail that evening.
FILE – On March 6, 2026, St. Lucie County deputies arrested 71-year-old school bus driver Edwin Garcia after a child’s report and a newly released affidavit outlined allegations of lewd molestation, additional student concerns, and a staff member’s claim he was known around the school as “the creepy guy.” (SLCSO)
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Jail records show Garcia was released the following day after posting the full $500,000 surety bond. Authorities have not released additional investigative details publicly due to the victim’s age, and the case remains active.
St. Lucie Public Schools said it is cooperating fully with the sheriff’s office and has taken immediate steps following Garcia’s arrest. The district notified families of the charges and emphasized that student safety remains its top priority. Officials have not confirmed Garcia’s employment status since the arrest.
Detectives continue to encourage anyone with information—or any additional victims—to come forward. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office asks that tips be directed to Detective Cpl. Hunter Limb at 772-462-7300 or emailed to CrimeTips@StLucieSheriff.gov.