Former College Community Bus Driver Charged With Kidnapping & More

A former bus driver for the College Community School District in Cedar Rapids has been fired after alleged inappropriate conduct toward a student on a bus the morning of Thursday, January 2, 2020.

Following an investigation by the Cedar Rapids Police Department, 57-year-old Thomas Alan Williams, pictured above, was arrested. Williams has been charged with second-degree kidnapping and sexual exploitation by a school employee. The charges are Class B and Class D felonies, respectively.

The school district sent a letter to parents yesterday, informing them of the driver's firing. The letter states the driver was fired after an investigation determined, "inappropriate behavior by a bus driver towards a student during the morning route." The letter also says, "Behavior of this type by a school employee is unacceptable and is not representative of values of our District or employees. We are committed to the safety of our students and expect all staff to adhere to the highest ethical practices and conduct. We will not tolerate behaviors that compromise the safety of our children."

Williams is behind held at the Linn County Jail in Cedar Rapids, awaiting arraignment.