School bus aide accused of sexually assaulting children to appear in court

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Md. - A Prince George's County school bus aide, who was accused of sexually assaulting two children with special needs, is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

38-year-old Michael Patopie is facing charges of second-degree child abuse, sex offenses and assault involving two children who attend James Ryder Randall Elementary School in Clinton, Md. Charging documents say the students involved in this case are 4 and 5 years old.

Patopie was taken into custody in September after detectives reviewed video of him sitting next to the alleged victims on a bus.

His attorney has previously argued that his arrest was based on speculation since the alleged abuse was not caught on camera.

It is possible Patopie may accept a plea deal in the case.