JEFFERSON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A bus driver and former pastor in Fayette is facing felony charges for alleged sex crimes against children.

Elvis Colenberg was arrested on Wednesday, March 19 by Jefferson County deputies.

“We law enforcement, we have to do what’s right, because we’re here to serve and protect all when someone commits a crime. It’s our duty to hold the individual, he or she, accountable for the crime that he committed,” said Jefferson County Sheriff James Bailey.

According to the sheriff, Colenberg coerced two victims into participating in explicit behaviors more than 20 times. The alleged incidents occurred on a school bus.

“He was a minister. It’s just tough to believe that this actually was taken in his presence, and he was engaging in it. So, it’s hurting,” stated Bailey.

Colenberg’s bond was set at $200,000. Agents with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) are assisting with the investigation.