Durham School Bus Driver Arrested on Multiple Child Sex Offense Charges
Durham, NC – A former Durham school bus driver is facing a series of severe felony charges after investigators say he engaged in repeated sexual acts with a middle school student over the course of several months. The Durham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest on Wednesday (Nov. 19) following an extensive investigation launched earlier this year.
Investigation Begins After Mother’s Report
According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, the case originated in August 2025, when the victim’s mother contacted authorities alleging that Kenneth Arnold Thompson Jr., a bus driver at the time, had been involved in sexual activity with her daughter beginning in November 2024.
Detectives initiated a comprehensive investigation, including interviews, forensic review, and corroborating statements. The Sheriff’s Office determined that the allegations were substantiated, leading to a coordinated effort to take the suspect into custody.
Arrest and Charges
On Wednesday, Thompson was arrested at his home in Burlington, NC. He is currently being held at the Durham County Detention Facility without bond.
Thompson faces several serious felony charges, including:
- 3 counts of Statutory Rape of a Child Under 15
- 1 count of First-Degree Statutory Sex Offense
- 1 count of Sexual Activity with a Student
Ongoing Investigation
Due to the age of the victim and the sensitive nature of the crimes, additional details are not being released at this time. Authorities report that the investigation remains active and that more charges are possible as they continue to review evidence and conduct follow-up interviews.
About the Durham County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO)
One of the largest Sheriff’s Offices in North Carolina, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated Durham County. Close to 500 employees work in a variety of positions representing our office, including deputies, detention officers, and civilians. In addition to patrol and criminal investigations, DCSO operates the Durham County Detention Facility, provides courthouse security at the Durham County Courthouse, protects the animals of our County, and serves criminal warrants and numerous civil documents as mandated by State law. Our jurisdiction covers rural Durham County, sections of Research Triangle Park, urban areas within the City of Durham as well as Interstates 85 and 40 connecting “the Triangle.”