Detectives Arrest School Bus Driver For Sexual Battery On Child

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Pinellas County Sheriff's detectives have arrested a school bus driver for sexual battery.

According to detectives, the investigation began on Oct. 26 after the 16-year-old female victim informed a family member of the inappropriate sexual activity. Detectives say the victim reported that 61-year-old Ernest Williams of the 4900 of Miramar Drive, St. Petersburg, who was known to the victim's family and in a position of custodial care, forced the victim to have inappropriate sexual activity with him. The victim also reported that Williams inappropriately touched her on multiple occasions.

The victim told detectives the abuse occurred in June 2015, while the victim was 13 years old, and again in May 2016.

Detectives were able to corroborate the victim's allegations and identified a second potential victim who alleged Williams had inappropriate sexual activity with her in a different jurisdiction. That investigation is still ongoing.

At about 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11, detectives interviewed Williams at the Sheriff's Administration Building in Largo and charged Williams with one count of attempted sexual battery, one count of sexual battery, two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and one count of lewd and lascivious conduct.

Detectives say Williams was working as a bus driver for Pinellas County Schools at the time of his arrest. Currently there is no evidence that Williams had inappropriate physical contact with students related to his job.

Detectives say it's possible there are more victims in this case. Anyone who believes a child may have been a victim or has information regarding this case is asked to contact the sheriff's office's Crimes Against Children Unit at (727) 582-6483.

Image via Pinellas Sheriff

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