A former Bay Shore school bus and Uber driver has admitted to repeatedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl, according to prosecutors, in a case that has rattled the Long Island community.
Authorities identified the defendant as 49-year-old Miguel Enrique Diaz and said he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of course of sexual conduct against a child, as reported by PIX11. Prosecutors say the abuse took place over several months at Diaz’s home and in the backseat of his car. The victim told her mother about the assaults in March 2023, which triggered an investigation and Diaz’s subsequent arrest, according to prosecutors.
DA Praises the Victim
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement that “today’s conviction represents a measure of justice for the young victim who showed tremendous courage in coming forward,” as reported by PIX11.
According to the DA’s office, Diaz’s plea is expected to expose him to a 16-year prison term, followed by 15 years of post-release supervision, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Local reporting indicates Diaz had worked as a bus driver for the Bay Shore School District and also drove for Uber. Both the district and the company stated that the alleged assaults did not occur on school property and that Diaz has been removed from all driving duties, according to South Shore Press.
Legal Consequences
The course of sexual conduct against a child charge is a felony that carries substantial prison exposure, mandatory sex offender registration and lengthy post-release supervision under New York practice. Prosecutors say the plea agreement and potential penalties reflect the seriousness of the crimes and the state’s priority of protecting children.
Sentencing is scheduled for a later date. Prosecutors did not immediately release the hearing date, and local reporting said Diaz’s attorney could not be reached for comment.
Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact the Suffolk County Special Victims Section, according to prosecutors. The DA’s office said it will continue coordinating with victim advocates as the case moves toward sentencing. Local reporting noted that community leaders had not yet issued public statements in response to the plea.
