A developing investigation in Randall County has expanded after authorities confirmed that seven juveniles are being referred for potential charges in connection with an alleged sexual assault on a school bus involving students from Canyon Independent School District.
The case stems from an incident reported earlier this month to the Randall County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators say the alleged assault occurred on February 27 while the junior varsity baseball team from Randall High School was returning from a tournament in Lubbock. According to court filings, the alleged incident took place aboard the team’s school bus during the trip home.
Authorities arrested 17-year-old Ayden Sanning on March 19 following an investigation that included a review of video evidence. He faces six felony charges, including three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact and three counts of indecency with a child by exposure. Investigators allege that the suspect exposed himself to a minor and engaged in inappropriate physical contact for sexual purposes.
Officials say the investigation has been significantly aided by multiple forms of recorded evidence. The alleged incident was captured on the bus’s surveillance system, and additional footage was recorded on cell phones by witnesses. Law enforcement reviewed the recordings as part of the case, and search warrants executed on additional devices reportedly uncovered further video material.
On Friday, the sheriff’s office confirmed that seven additional juveniles are now being referred to Randall County Juvenile Probation for charges tied to the same incident. While specific allegations involving those juveniles have not been publicly detailed, authorities indicated their referrals are related to the broader criminal activity under investigation.
Because the case involves minors, officials say the release of further information will remain limited. Investigators emphasized that the case is still active, and the Criminal Investigations Division continues to gather evidence and assess the involvement of all individuals connected to the incident.
Sanning was released on bond set at $25,000. His release includes strict conditions, such as no contact with the alleged victim or witnesses, restrictions on interacting with minors, and compliance with a nightly curfew. Additional conditions prohibit the use of drugs or alcohol, possession of weapons, and any conduct involving minors of a sexual nature.
The incident has also prompted broader concerns about student conduct and supervision during school-related travel. Canyon Independent School District officials have stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement. The district reiterated that school buses are considered an extension of the classroom and that students are expected to follow the same behavioral standards as they would on campus.
District officials also noted that bus drivers are tasked with maintaining order while ensuring safe transportation. However, due to student privacy protections, the district has declined to provide additional details about disciplinary actions or internal responses.
