A former Tipton County school bus driver is facing a criminal charge after a 16-year-old student told school officials he crossed a serious line on her ride to and from class, Covington police said.
Investigators identified the driver as 67-year-old Raymond Jones of Covington. A review of the school bus video showed Jones interacting with the student while she was being transported, according to police. Officers say the footage and statements suggest he made sexually suggestive comments and tried to persuade the girl to expose a bikini under her clothing, which set a full criminal investigation in motion.
Allegations and video evidence
The student first reported the behavior to a school resource officer on March 27, prompting a closer look at the bus footage and a wider Covington Police Department investigation, FOX13 Memphis reported.
Investigators told the station that Jones went beyond casual conversation and expressed interest in pursuing a more personal relationship with the teen, while also making sexually suggestive comments on the bus. Detectives say those statements, backed up by the video, formed the backbone of the solicitation of a minor charge.
Police response and support for the victim
As the case unfolded, detectives worked with the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and the Tipton County Board of Education to make sure the girl and her family were connected with support resources, according to Action News 5.
Covington Police Chief Donna Turner said the investigation highlights a coordinated effort between school staff, the SRO unit and detectives to protect students. The department is urging parents and guardians to speak up quickly if something feels off on a bus route or at school, and to bring those concerns to both school officials and law enforcement.
Charges and next steps
Jones has been charged with solicitation of a minor and was booked into the Tipton County Jail, where he is waiting for a Tipton County General Sessions judge to set his bond, according to FOX13 Memphis.
During interviews with detectives, police say Jones admitted to making inappropriate remarks and to soliciting the teen. Officials told reporters that more charges could be filed as investigators continue to review evidence and interview witnesses.
What Tennessee law says
Under Tennessee law, solicitation of a minor occurs when an adult intentionally commands, requests, or tries to get someone under 18 to engage in sexual conduct. Tennessee Code § 39-13-528 treats solicitation as one level lower than the offense the adult is allegedly trying to commit, which determines the potential penalties, according to Justia.
How to help
Anyone who may have information related to this case is asked to contact the Covington Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (901) 475-1261, Action News 5 reports.
Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have relevant video or additional tips, and say community input could shape what happens next in the case.
