Sheriff: Davenport bus driver arrested on sex crime charges

A Davenport School District bus driver has been arrested after allegations surfaced of sex crimes against a child while not on duty, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said. Daniel R. Abell, 54, faces counts of child rape and child molestation, Lincoln County Sheriff Wade Magers said Monday. The Sheriff’s Office received a complaint last week and investigators built probable cause to arrest Abell, Magers said. Abell was in his second year as a bus driver with the district, Davenport School District Superintendent Jim Kowalkowski said. Abell is in jail and will be placed on administrative leave if he bonds out, Kowalkowski said. No complaints have been received from students who ride buses, Kowalkowski said. Davenport bus routes serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade, he said. Magers said there was no evidence to indicate the crimes took place during Abell’s official duties. Abell is scheduled to make a preliminary court appearance Tuesday, Magers said. His bond has been set at $75,000.