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Pinellas School Bus Driver Accused of Sexual Battery on Teen, 13

Ernest Williams | Pinellas Sheriff | Arrests

The girl is now 16. She told deputies the abuse first happened when she was 13, according to Pinellas sheriff’s deputies.

ST. PETERSBURG – A Pinellas County school bus driver has been arrested and charged with having inappropriate sexual activity with a teen, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

Ernest Williams, 61, of St. Petersburg, was charged with one count each of attempted sexual battery, sexual battery, and lewd and lascivious conduct, and two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.

Detectives said 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.

According to detectives, the investigation began Oct. 26, after the 16-year-old girl told a family member of the inappropriate sexual activity.

The teen said that Williams, who was known to the girl’s family and in a position of custodial care, forced the victim to have inappropriate sexual activity with him. Deputies said the girl also reported being inappropriately touched by Williams on multiple occasions. She told deputies the abuse occurred in June 2015, when she was 13 years old, and again in May 2016.

Detectives said they were able to corroborate the girl’s allegations.

During the course of the investigation, detectives identified a second possible victim who alleged Williams had inappropriate sexual activity with her in a different jurisdiction. That investigation is still ongoing.

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

Pinellas Sheriff | Crime | Arrests | Tampabay News

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