Indiana Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Bus Assault Case

Landon Doty, a 15-year-old from Jennings County, Indiana, has been charged as an adult with 12 counts, including rape and child molesting, after allegedly sexually assaulting a nonverbal 7-year-old autistic boy on a school bus over several weeks. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the repeated abuse and Doty stopping his actions when he thought he might be observed. Authorities determined Doty has normal intelligence and is 'beyond rehabilitation' within the juvenile system due to his calculated, repetitive behavior. Doty pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $250,000 bond, with his trial set for October. The school district is cooperating with law enforcement, reviewing additional footage, and taking action to improve student safety. The victim's family reports that the child has suffered permanent injuries as a result of the assaults.