PINEVILLE — A former Wyoming County school bus driver is facing up to two decades in prison after being convicted Wednesday of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian following a two-day trial in Wyoming County Circuit Court before special judge Robert Burnside of Raleigh County.
Robert Junior Thomas, 46, of Wyoming, was accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student in July 2007. The victim was a student in the summer school program, where Thomas worked as a bus driver.
Thomas reportedly passed the student a note, asking her to meet him after hours, according to Prosecutor Rick Staton.
Thomas picked the girl up outside her residence, then took her to the R.D. Bailey Lake campground and had sexual intercourse with her, Staton said. DNA tests confirmed the act and that Thomas was the perpetrator, Staton explained.
Thomas argued he was not acting in the scope of his duties as a bus driver when he had intercourse with the student.
“I’m glad the jury didn’t buy that argument,” Staton said. “Teachers, bus drivers and education personnel hold a special place in the lives of our children. Our school children should feel safe when they are under their care and control. Any person who abuses that trust should be dealt with severely and harshly.”
Sheriff Randall Aliff and Deputy Randy Brooks were the investigators.
Thomas’ bond was revoked after he was found to have inappropriately photographed and hugged a lifeguard at Twin Falls Resort State Park over the summer, Staton said.
A sentencing date has not been set, but will probably be sometime in January, Staton said. Thomas faces 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Staton said he will ask for the maximum sentence.
Local News
November 5, 2009
Former Wyoming County bus driver convicted
- Local News
-
- Planning under way for memorial to honor fallen soldiers
-
Council votes to suspend yard sale fees during summer
Debt collection ordinance read for the 1st time
-
’Pike ready to spread no-texting message
If the Legislature decides to outlaw texting while driving, the West Virginia Turnpike is prepared to help spread the message.
- Local students to participate in science bowl
- Calendar — Friday,Feb. 3, 2012
-
BAG opens new exhibit
The Cynthia Bickey Art Gallery will open its doors to the public for the first art show of the 2012 season today with a special Guest Curator’s Exhibit entitled “The Sans Box,”
-
Concord Charlie predicts spring is coming at event
Pete Ballard got a laugh from the crowd by saying that he was relieved that he didn’t actually have to eat groundhog and Dr. Greg Aloia, president of Concord University reported that Concord Charlie predicted “spring is coming soon,” at CU’s 34th annual Groundhog Day breakfast Thursday morning.
- Richwood mayor arrested
- Owners burn parts of dilapidated buildings
- Fayette County resident arrested for counterfeit checks
- More Local News Headlines
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed
Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
