A former Melissa ISD school bus driver faces multiple child-sex charges following two arrests in October, according to published reports and a jail-record image.
Phillip Marcus Bates, 65, of McKinney was first arrested Oct. 13 on a charge of possessing child sexual abuse material. He was released the following day on a $100,000 bond, Texas Scorecard reported.
Bates was booked again Oct. 16. A jail-record image published by the outlet lists possession of child pornography, sexual performance by a child and a charge abbreviated as continuous sexual abuse involving a child under 14 or a disabled person. The abbreviated description does not establish the alleged victim’s circumstances.
Texas Scorecard reported Oct. 22 that bonds on two charges totaled $200,000, with no bond set on the continuous-abuse charge. The outlet reported that Bates remained in the Collin County Jail at that time.
Melissa ISD Police Chief Chris Fontana identified Bates as the driver assigned to Route 15. District officials said they fired him upon learning of the initial arrest and that he had no contact with students after the district became aware of the charge, according to Fox 4.
“At this time, we have no information indicating a connection between this matter and Melissa ISD students,” Fontana said in the district’s notification.
The district said it was reviewing relevant information and coordinating with law enforcement.
Texas Scorecard also reported that Bates previously drove a bus for Prosper ISD. The salary-database image accompanying its report lists him in a transportation position at Prosper ISD in 2023, but does not specify his role or employment dates.
The Texas Education Agency’s public registry currently lists Phillip Bates, approximate age 65, as “Under Investigation.” TEA defines that status as placement during an ongoing formal investigation; it is not a final finding of misconduct.
The charges against Bates remain allegations.
Melissa ISD directed questions about the criminal investigation to McKinney police. Families with safety concerns can contact law enforcement or school administrators, or submit an anonymous tip through the district’s website.
