An Ada County jury on Tuesday convicted former Boise school bus driver Kayden Peterson, 29, on five felony child sex crime counts. The verdict includes one count of sexual abuse of a child under 16, three counts of lewd conduct with a child under 16, and one count of sexual battery of a minor between 16 and 17.
Details of the conviction
Peterson, who had been contracted by the Boise School District to transport students, was arrested by the Ada County Sheriff’s Office in April after an investigation uncovered alleged abuse that spanned several years. Court documents obtained by Idaho News 6 indicate the victim knew Peterson outside of his duties as a bus driver.
The jury’s decision follows a trial in which prosecutors presented testimony describing the alleged incidents and the relationship between the victim and Peterson. The defense did not secure an acquittal on any of the charges.
District response and upcoming sentencing
Following Peterson’s arrest, the Boise School District promptly announced that he was no longer permitted to work under its transportation contract. The district emphasized its commitment to student safety and stated that background checks and ongoing monitoring are core components of its hiring practices.
Peterson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 21, 2027. While the court has not yet released a recommended penalty, Idaho law allows for significant prison time for each of the felony offenses.
Community impact
The case has raised concerns among parents and community members about the safety of school transportation services. Local parent groups have called for additional safeguards, including more frequent background checks and stricter oversight of contracted drivers.
School officials have reiterated that the district will continue to work with law‑enforcement agencies to ensure that any individual who poses a risk to students is removed from school‑related duties immediately.
Legal context
Idaho statutes define sexual abuse of a child under 16 as a first‑degree felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Lewd conduct with a child under 16 and sexual battery of a minor between 16 and 17 are also classified as felonies, each carrying substantial prison terms.
The conviction underscores the seriousness with which Idaho courts treat offenses involving minors and reflects a broader statewide focus on protecting children from sexual exploitation.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
