A former school bus driver for Tipton County Schools faces a solicitation of a minor charge after a teenager reported his behavior to school officials last month.

Raymond Jones, 67, was charged this week with allegedly making inappropriate comments to a 16-year-old Brighton High School while transporting her to the Alternative Learning Center on Bert Johnston Avenue.

Bus video obtained by a Covington police school resource officer showed Jones speaking with the student during the route.

According to investigators, the conduct included sexually suggestive comments, an attempt to persuade the student to expose a bikini, and expressions of interest in a personal relationship.

Detectives interviewed Jones at the Criminal Investigations Division, where he admitted to making inappropriate comments and acknowledged his role in the alleged solicitation, according to CPD.

Jones was booked into the Tipton County Jail pending a bond hearing before General Sessions Court Judge M.O. Eckel III. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, April 23, at 9 a.m.
CPD said investigators are working with the District Attorney’s Office and that additional charges are expected.

Tipton County Schools, the Department of Children’s Services, and the Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse coordinated to provide support services to the victim and her family.

“This case demonstrates the joint efforts of the Tipton County School Board staff, CPD and SRO Unit, and the community support services for families,” Police Chief Donna Turner said in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CPD’s Criminal Investigations Division at (901) 475-1261, through Facebook Messenger at Covington TN Police Department, or via the City of Covington website.