Multiple child sex abuse charges have been filed against a Bladen County school bus driver.
David Earl Denkens, 63, of Tar heel, was arrested Tuesday on two counts each of indecent liberties with a minor and indecent liberties by school personnel (all felonies) and to misdemeanor counts each of sexual battery and child abuse. His bond as set at $1 million.
Denkens was suspended last week after allegations of abuse were reported to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and Board of Education. Initially one victim was identified, according to the sheriff’s office, but as word spread other victims came forward.
Personnel records show Denkens was a bus driver at Dublin Primary School. He was hired Aug. 15, 2022, and terminated Monday. As an hourly worker, Denkens was paid $15.60 per hour. He did not hold any other positions with the school system, according to schools spokesperson Elly Johnson.
“This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected,” Sheriff Jim McVicker said in a press release. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Bladen Sheriff’s Office at 910.862.6960.
