APS Special-Needs Bus Driver Arrested for Having Kiddie Porn on Computers

Albuquerque, NM — The New Mexico Department of Justice today announced the arrest of Patrick Bilbo, an Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) bus driver assigned to transport students with special needs. Bilbo was taken into custody following an investigation conducted by the NMDOJ Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC). Bilbo is charged with two counts of Distribution of Visual Medium of Sexual Exploitation of a Child under 13 years of age and one count of Possession of Visual Medium of Sexual Exploitation of a Child under 13 years of age, each charge holds a sentencing range of 0-11 years in prison.  

According to the criminal complaint, the videos were graphic in nature that included minors.

“This case is especially disturbing because it involves someone who was entrusted with the care of some of our most vulnerable children,” Attorney General Raúl Torrez. “We will pursue offenders like this with absolute urgency and relentless focus. Our message is simple: if you target or exploit children in New Mexico, you will be found, you will be arrested, and you will be held accountable.” 

ICAC investigators initiated the case after receiving multiple CyberTips indicating the possible possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) associated with accounts operating on the messaging platform Kik.

Following the investigation, NMDOJ obtained a search warrant for Bilbo’s residence in Albuquerque. Bilbo was taken into custody at his work at the APS bus depot on the Westside of Albuquerque.   

APS released this statement:

The safety and security of our students and staff is the district’s top priority. We are deeplydisturbed by the charges brought against Patrick Bilbo.We became aware of the criminal case against him this morning and immediately began the process of placing him on administrative leave. He was taken into custody by authorities at our west side transportation center early this morning.Mr. Bilbo was hired as a bus attendant on Sept. 13, 2024, at which time he underwent and passed a background check. We have received no reports of inappropriate behavior involving Mr. Bilbo during his tenure with the district.