Topline: Landon Doty, 16, was convicted as an adult for the rape and molestation of a 7-year-old non-verbal boy.
Published: April 7, 2026 6:00 am ET
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Landon Doty (via Jennings County Jail)
VERNON, IN — An Indiana teenager was convicted of raping a non-verbal 7-year-old boy with autism during a series of assaults on a Jennings County school bus.
Landon Doty, 16, was tried as an adult and found guilty on all counts, including rape, child molestation, sexual battery, criminal confinement and public indecency. The conviction followed testimony where Doty denied the allegations, claiming his actions were “calming techniques” intended to help the child.
Prosecutors presented hours of bus surveillance video to the jury. According to court documents reported by WDRB, the footage showed Doty raping the child during a period of several weeks in 2025.
The investigation began after an April 17, 2025, incident involving a bus monitor. Reports from WDRB indicate the monitor saw Doty shove the child from his lap and directed the driver to stop the bus.
The monitor separated the two and requested a review of the bus surveillance footage. Authorities later determined the boy had been assigned to sit next to Doty on a bus specifically for children with special needs.
Doty does not have special needs, according to WTHR. Officials moved him to that bus after he reportedly vandalized a seat on his previous bus.
During the trial, Doty testified that he was “messing around” with the child and was not engaging in sexual activity. He told the court he was bouncing the boy on his knee.
Defense attorneys argued that neither the bus driver nor the monitor witnessed sexual acts as they occurred. They also noted that investigators did not find Doty’s DNA on the child.
Prosecutors told the jury the video evidence was sufficient to prove the charges without DNA. They said the footage spoke for itself during the proceedings.
An officer stated in a WXIN report that a probable cause affidavit deemed Doty beyond rehabilitation within the juvenile justice system. This determination led to the decision to try him in adult court.
The family of the 7-year-old boy has filed a lawsuit against the Jennings County School Corporation. The suit also names the bus driver and the monitor as defendants.
The legal action alleges school staff knew the child was vulnerable. According to WTHR, the family claims the school failed to take the steps necessary to protect the boy from assault and molestation.
The family seeks damages for what they describe as permanent injuries resulting from the assaults. They allege the school corporation was negligent in its supervision of the students.
Doty remains in custody following the verdict. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 27.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Indiana Teen Convicted in School Bus Sexual Assault of Autistic Student
Landon Doty, 16, was convicted as an adult for the rape and molestation of a 7-year-old non-verbal boy.
By Kate Byrd
Published: April 7, 2026 6:00 am ET
Landon Doty (via Jennings County Jail)
VERNON, IN — An Indiana teenager was convicted of raping a non-verbal 7-year-old boy with autism during a series of assaults on a Jennings County school bus.
Landon Doty, 16, was tried as an adult and found guilty on all counts, including rape, child molestation, sexual battery, criminal confinement and public indecency. The conviction followed testimony where Doty denied the allegations, claiming his actions were “calming techniques” intended to help the child.
Prosecutors presented hours of bus surveillance video to the jury. According to court documents reported by WDRB, the footage showed Doty raping the child during a period of several weeks in 2025.
The investigation began after an April 17, 2025, incident involving a bus monitor. Reports from WDRB indicate the monitor saw Doty shove the child from his lap and directed the driver to stop the bus.
The monitor separated the two and requested a review of the bus surveillance footage. Authorities later determined the boy had been assigned to sit next to Doty on a bus specifically for children with special needs.
Doty does not have special needs, according to WTHR. Officials moved him to that bus after he reportedly vandalized a seat on his previous bus.
During the trial, Doty testified that he was “messing around” with the child and was not engaging in sexual activity. He told the court he was bouncing the boy on his knee.
Defense attorneys argued that neither the bus driver nor the monitor witnessed sexual acts as they occurred. They also noted that investigators did not find Doty’s DNA on the child.
Prosecutors told the jury the video evidence was sufficient to prove the charges without DNA. They said the footage spoke for itself during the proceedings.
An officer stated in a WXIN report that a probable cause affidavit deemed Doty beyond rehabilitation within the juvenile justice system. This determination led to the decision to try him in adult court.
The family of the 7-year-old boy has filed a lawsuit against the Jennings County School Corporation. The suit also names the bus driver and the monitor as defendants.
The legal action alleges school staff knew the child was vulnerable. According to WTHR, the family claims the school failed to take the steps necessary to protect the boy from assault and molestation.
The family seeks damages for what they describe as permanent injuries resulting from the assaults. They allege the school corporation was negligent in its supervision of the students.
Doty remains in custody following the verdict. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 27.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Indiana Teen Convicted in School Bus Sexual Assault of Autistic Student
Landon Doty, 16, was convicted as an adult for the rape and molestation of a 7-year-old non-verbal boy.
By Kate Byrd
Published: April 7, 2026 6:00 am ET
Landon Doty (via Jennings County Jail)
VERNON, IN — An Indiana teenager was convicted of raping a non-verbal 7-year-old boy with autism during a series of assaults on a Jennings County school bus.
Landon Doty, 16, was tried as an adult and found guilty on all counts, including rape, child molestation, sexual battery, criminal confinement and public indecency. The conviction followed testimony where Doty denied the allegations, claiming his actions were “calming techniques” intended to help the child.
Prosecutors presented hours of bus surveillance video to the jury. According to court documents reported by WDRB, the footage showed Doty raping the child during a period of several weeks in 2025.
The investigation began after an April 17, 2025, incident involving a bus monitor. Reports from WDRB indicate the monitor saw Doty shove the child from his lap and directed the driver to stop the bus.
The monitor separated the two and requested a review of the bus surveillance footage. Authorities later determined the boy had been assigned to sit next to Doty on a bus specifically for children with special needs.
Doty does not have special needs, according to WTHR. Officials moved him to that bus after he reportedly vandalized a seat on his previous bus.
During the trial, Doty testified that he was “messing around” with the child and was not engaging in sexual activity. He told the court he was bouncing the boy on his knee.
Defense attorneys argued that neither the bus driver nor the monitor witnessed sexual acts as they occurred. They also noted that investigators did not find Doty’s DNA on the child.
Prosecutors told the jury the video evidence was sufficient to prove the charges without DNA. They said the footage spoke for itself during the proceedings.
An officer stated in a WXIN report that a probable cause affidavit deemed Doty beyond rehabilitation within the juvenile justice system. This determination led to the decision to try him in adult court.
The family of the 7-year-old boy has filed a lawsuit against the Jennings County School Corporation. The suit also names the bus driver and the monitor as defendants.
The legal action alleges school staff knew the child was vulnerable. According to WTHR, the family claims the school failed to take the steps necessary to protect the boy from assault and molestation.
The family seeks damages for what they describe as permanent injuries resulting from the assaults. They allege the school corporation was negligent in its supervision of the students.
Doty remains in custody following the verdict. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 27.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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