Former bus driver faces six more sexual charges

Lee Calvin Pardue

A former Santa Rosa County school bus driver who was arrested in Escambia County one week ago is facing additional sexual related charges.

Friday afternoon the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office announced Lee Calvin Pardue, 43 of Milton, has now been charged with two counts of capital sexual assault, two counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, and two counts of possession of child pornography.

The two counts of capital sexual assault could carry with it a sentence of life in prison on each charge.

Pardue, who was arrested one week ago remains lodged in the Santa Rosa County Jail with his bond set at $6-million.

On Nov. 2, Pardue was arrested on a warrant charging him with use of a computer to solicit a child and lewd and lascivious behavior with a victim over 12, but under 16.

Pardue was originally arrested over allegations he started communications by making flirtation comments towards the minor and made comments about their body.

Those communications reportedly evolved to text messages and via Facebook.

During these communications it is alleged that nude photographs were exchanged. Sgt. Scott Haines stated, "the conversations became more sexual in nature, and Pardue ended up meeting the minor on three separate occasions."

Pardue allegedly provided the minor with alcohol and sexually molested the minor.

The additional charges stem from investigators discovering evidence that Pardue was involved in sexual activity with very young children.

After obtaining a warrant, a search of Pardue's home on Hickory Hammock Rd., led to the discovery of photographic digital evidence of Pardue allegedly engaging in this activity.

According to the latest arrest report, the child victim was in Pardue's care for a few hours when the offense occurred.

Investigators have also found other photographic evidence and pornographic images of unidentified children that are believed to have been involved with Pardue as well.

According to Haines, investigators are asking anyone who may have allowed their children to be alone or cared for by Pardue to contact the Santa Rosa County Major Crimes unite at 983-1230.

Pardue was a bus driver for Landrum Bus Services during a portion of the 2011-12 school year according to the Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Former bus driver faces six more sexual charges