By Russ Zimmer
Newark Advocate
Copyright 2008 Newark Advocate
NEWARK, Ohio — A man employed as a bus driver and EMT was placed on administrative leave Friday after being accused of unlawful sexual conduct.
Michael D. McCollum, 44, was charged with the third-degree felony during a hearing Friday in Licking County Municipal Court.
McCollum is a bus driver for North Fork Local School District and also works for the village of Utica as an EMT. Sheriff Randy Thorp said Thursday the charge in no way is related to McCollum’s employment.
On Jan. 4, a detective with the Licking County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Licking County Children’s Services, according a court affidavit.
During an interview, the victim told the detectives McCollum touched her breasts and engaged in digital penetration at a New Year’s Eve party, the affidavit continues.
On Thursday, McCollum, last known address 500 North St., Lot 41, admitted to the fondling and stated it was “possible indeed probable” that he engaged in digital penetration, the affidavit alleges.
He was arrested at the end of the interview, the affidavit concludes.
The girl is between the ages of 13 and 16, according to the documents.
Dale Broseus, transportation supervisor for North Fork, said McCollum would be on paid administrative leave pending the resolution of his case.
He said no complaints of this nature have been issued against McCollum during the about five years he had been with the district.
“Mike was an excellent driver. He had a good rapport with the kids,” Broseus said. “There was nothing, absolutely nothing, to indicate anything like this.”
McCollum also will not be making any runs with Utica EMS and therefore will not be eligible for pay until his legal situation is settled, Utica Fire Chief Mike Evans said.
An additional charge of sexual imposition also might be considered by a Licking County grand jury, according to court documents.
Judge David Branstool set McCollum’s bond at $10,000. The judge also prohibited the defendant from having any contact with the girl or unsupervised contact with unrelated minor children.
The defendant was convicted of misdemeanor operating a vehicle while under the influence in a 1995 case in the Licking County Municipal Court, according to the court’s Web site.