Coweta Bus Driver, 71, Arrested For Lewd Molestation

A 71-year-old Coweta bus driver has been arrested for lewd molestation and officials believe he was targeting children, according to Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation began when  parents contacted the Coweta Police Department about Eugene Burchett, who they say sent harassing text messages to their daughter, OSBI says.

Neighbors are surprised about the arrest of the 71-year-old man, they say the bus driver was a nice man. But investigators believe he may have targeted even more children.

OSBI Agents and Police Investigators interviewed Burchett on Friday. We don't know the details other than they arrested him on complaints of lewd molestation.

I rang the doorbell at Burchett's home, the same address where agents say DHS received a complaint about an unlicensed daycare. Now a Voluntary Ceases Care notice from DHS is on the doors.

One child in the neighborhood said Burchett was his school bus driver at one time.

"I see a cop car, what the heck are they doing over there," he asked.

Neighbors were surprised by his arrest.

"That's a shock to me. I didn't figure he would ever get arrested. He's not far behind me in age," said neighbor Roland Weaver.

Burchett is being held at the Wagoner County Jail without bond.