Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Crimes Against Children Unit

Ernest Williams (Arrested)
DOB: 03/30/1957
Address: 4908 Miramar Drive, Apartment #8201, St. Petersburg
Charges: One count of Attempted Sexual Battery, one count of Sexual Battery, two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, and one count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct.

The victim is a 16-year-old female. Per Florida Statute 119.071, no further information will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a school bus driver for sexual battery on a child.

When:
The incidents occurred from June 2015 thru May 2016.

The suspect was arrested at about 4 p.m. on November 9, 2018.

Where:
The incidents occurred at residences in Pinellas County.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a school bus driver for sexual battery.

According to detectives, the investigation began on October 26, 2018, after the 16-year-old female victim informed a family member of the inappropriate sexual activity.  

Detectives say the victim reported that 61-year-old Ernest Williams, who was known to the victim’s family and in a position of custodial care, forced the victim to have inappropriate sexual activity with him. The victim also reported that Williams inappropriately touched her on multiple occasions.  

The victim told detectives the abuse occurred in June 2015, while the victim was 13 years old, and again in May 2016.

Through various interviews and investigative techniques, detectives were able to corroborate the victim’s allegations.

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

At about 4 p.m. on Friday, November, 9, 2018, detectives interviewed Williams at the Sheriff’s Administration Building located at 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

Detectives arrested Williams and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Williams was charged with one count of Attempted Sexual Battery, one count of Sexual Battery, two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, and one count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct.

Detectives say 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.

Detectives say 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 Crimes Against Children Unit at (727) 582-6483. 

The investigation continues.

Ernest Williams booking photo.