Co-Workers Show For Prelim Of School Van Driver

Two co-workers of a former van driver for Ferguson Transportation in Brighton Township showed up at the courthouse today, to watch preliminary hearings that were scheduled for the man.

Earl C. Peacock, 54 of Beaver Falls, stands accused of making sexual comments to one 7-year-old girl, and sexually molesting an 8-year-old girl in a separate incident. He faces charges including endangering the welfare of a child, unlawful restraint, indecent exposure, indecent assault, and aggravated indecent assault.

The preliminary hearings scheduled today for Peacock were continued by prosecutors. A source within the District Attorney’s Office said more time was needed to review forensic interviews that were conducted of the girls, and to file a motion with the court seeking permission to have them both testify through a remote video feed.

“He was a strange, strange man” said one Peacock’s former co-workers, who was seated outside of Courtroom 3 waiting for the hearings which never came — Both women spoke on condition their names not be published. “He would carry around a bible with him everywhere he went, and he would read it constantly, in the van, in the drivers’ lounge area, everywhere.”

“He said he was a messenger from God” said the other woman.

Both women said Peacock was often seen sitting in the middle seat of his school van. “Drivers are never suppose to leave their seats behind the wheel, but he was always sitting in the middle of the van waiting for the kids” said one of the women.

Sources say additional charges against Peacock are forthcoming. He remains incarcerated in the Beaver County Jail after failing to post a $10,000 and $20,000 bond.