PHARR, Texas (AP) _ A former school bus driver in South Texas says his life is in shambles after being wrongly suspected in the high-profile disappearance of a 4-year-old girl.
Raul Ornelas was questioned and detained by the FBI in May after someone snatched the girl whom he playfully told months ago, “You’re so pretty, I’m going to take you.”
Ornelas drove the bus to the Head Start program the girl attended.
After being identified as a suspect, Ornelas’ name and description were published on an Amber Alert, even though he was already in custody. Later that day, another man was charged with the little girl’s kidnapping and aggravated sexual assault.
Ornelas said despite being cleared, the damage to his reputation had been done, and he’s still looking for a job.
John Johnson, who heads the FBI’s McAllen office, said authorities regret any negative consequences during the investigation.