Lee County, Ala. (EETV) - A search of Lee County Jail records indicates that the second transit driver involved in the alleged rape on a Tiger Transit is no longer in custody.
Tony Patillo is no longer listed as in custody after being arrested on Friday for multiple sexual violence charges following the alleged rape on a bus. Patillo's bail was set at $127,000.
James Johnson, another transit driver was also arrested and posted a $125,000 bail earlier this week.
Since the arrests, Auburn University has announced new safety features for all Tiger Ten late night buses.
Background
On Friday, September 15, at approximately 11:50 pm, the Auburn Police Division received a report of a male exposing himself while standing over a female in the 700 block of Aspen Heights Lane in Auburn.
Responding officers located Patillo near the roadway and detained him. Officers were unable to locate the female at the time of the initial report. Patillo was arrested on four counts of Public Lewdness and was transported to the Lee County Jail.
Further investigation determined that a female, who appeared to be incapacitated, entered a bus operated by First Transit near Magnolia Avenue in Auburn. While on the bus she was sexually assaulted by Patillo, an employee of First Transit.
The investigation further determined that Johnson, who was driving the bus, engaged in actions to perpetuate the crime while Patillo was in the rear of the bus assaulting the victim. Patillo later exited the bus near Aspen Heights Lane with the female victim; it was at that point he was observed by passersby standing over her.
Investigators were eventually able to identify, contact and interview the victim, an
Warrants for the arrest of Patillo and Johnson for the offenses of Rape 1st degree and Sodomy 1stdegree were obtained and executed on Patillo at the Lee County Jail. Patillo is eligible a $127,000.00 bond. Johnson was arrested at his residence and transported to the Lee County Jail and is eligible for a $125,000.00 bond.
Auburn University released the following statement:
"Two arrests have been made resulting from a sexual assault that occurred early Saturday morning. Auburn University is working with the City of Auburn Police Division in their investigation.
Our top concern is the well-being of the victim, and we cannot stress in strong enough terms our shock and distress over this despicable act. We immediately provided support and all available resources to the victim and continue to do so.
The suspects were employees of First Transit, the contractor hired by Auburn to provide late night transportation service for students. The contractor is required to conduct thorough background checks on its employees and has terminated the employment of both suspects. We are evaluating the future of the university’s relationship with First Transit."
