DANDRIDGE, Tenn. — A Jefferson County school bus driver was arrested for sexual misconduct, both the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Jefferson County Schools Director Tommy Arnold confirmed.
James Robert Smith, a 56-year-old from Dandridge, was arrested Wednesday on 14 counts of sexual contact by an authority figure, according to JCSO.
Smith, who worked for the school district since 2015, was fired on Aug. 21 after Arnold received a parental complaint and viewed school bus footage. Arnold confirmed the victim was a Jefferson County High student.
Jefferson County Schools filed a report with the Department of Children's Service and has worked closely with JCSO during its investigation, Arnold said.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” Arnold said. “We are committed to maintaining a safe environment and will continue to take every measure necessary to protect our students.”
JCSO interviewed various students and reviewed bus camera footage over two weeks before charging Smith, according to JCSO.
Smith is being held on a $100,000 bond and the case remains under investigation, the sheriff's office said.