Bus Driver and Seven Children Face Charges Following Bullying Incident in Georgia

In Bullock County, Georgia, a local bus driver along with seven students faced charges related to a bullying occurrence, as reported by the Bullock County Sheriff's Office (BCSO).

On April 23, 2025, the School Resource Officer (SRO) at William James Middle School, who works with BCSO, was informed about an assault involving a student that occurred during the Friday morning bus route on April 18.

After the report was released, the BCSO SRO unit launched a criminal inquiry into the event.

The inquiry uncovered that seven students ranging from 5 to 14 years old physically assaulted a 7-year-old pupil during the morning bus trip to Mattie Lively Elementary School.

The incident took place as the bus was heading north on Highway 301 towards Statesboro.

One child got up from their seat and essentially used their feet to kick this seven-year-old," stated Todd Hutchens, Captain of the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office. "This made the incident quite violent, leading us to understandably worry about the safety and security not only of this seven-year-old but also of the other children on the bus.

As per the BCSO report, surveillance videos captured from the bus display the actions of the seven students implicated in the incident. These individuals have now been recognized and are currently confronting battery charges. Additionally, all participants involved have received suspension from their educational institution.

The bus driver, Joey Edwin Jackson, aged 70, was likewise charged after the investigation concluded. He is facing accusations of second-degree cruelty to children as well as failing to report child abuse.

The bus driver didn’t stop the vehicle or contact the bus depot to report, 'I have had an incident on the bus; please dispatch assistance,'” stated Hutchens. "Instead, he kept driving toward the school.

As stated by the Bulloch County Board of Education, Jackson is no longer working for the school system.

"It won’t be accepted in Bulloch County Schools," stated Charles Wilson, the Superintendent of Bulloch Co. Schools.

Sergeant Bubba Revell from the BCSO SRO unit has been closely collaborating in the probe and keeping lines open with authorities and educators at both the Board of Education and the implicated educational institutions.

“We understand that we must ensure for every member of our community that when their child arrives at school, they will be in a secure setting where they receive proper treatment and have the opportunity to learn,” stated Wilson.

Bulloch County Schools issued a statement about the event.

Read full statement below:

On Friday, April 18, a young elementary school student was physically assaulted by a group of seven students from local elementary and middle schools in Bulloch County.

During the morning bus route for Bulloch County Schools, the students were aboard when the incident occurred. The case is still being investigated actively.

The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended and accused seven students in relation to this event. Although federal confidentiality regulations stop the school district from revealing particular details regarding student discipline within the educational environment, rest assured that district administrators are collaborating closely with law enforcement officials and implementing all necessary measures as per district protocols.

Furthermore, on April 30, the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office apprehended and accused an employee from the school district, specifically the bus driver, in relation to this matter. The charges against the bus driver include second-degree child abuse and neglect, along with failing to report such incidents. As of April 25, the bus driver has ceased employment with the Bulloch County Board of Education. It should be noted that bus drivers belong to a categorized staff group and thus follow different grievance processes compared to those designated as certified employees.

No matter what their position is, every employee at Bulloch County Schools must adhere to the strictest guidelines concerning student safety and behavior.

School buses and bus stops are considered an extension of the classroom. Therefore, students are required to adhere to proper behavior and comply with both school and bus regulations as well as the district’s policies. Student Code of Conduct While utilizing public transit services provided by the schools, Bulloch County Schools urges all parents and students (to the extent possible) to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the district’s standards for appropriate conduct on campus. Breaches of this code may lead to penalties such as suspension or even expulsion, with potential enrollment in an alternative educational setting offered under certain circumstances.

Bulloch County Schools

Bulloch County Schools along with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office conducted a press conference on Thursday afternoon regarding the incident.

"The child doesn’t have significant injuries; however, they did experience some bruising. A member of the school’s nursing team examined the child and found that hospitalization wasn’t necessary, though there were signs of bruising. In cases involving the mistreatment of children, we must consider both physical harm and psychological damage," stated Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office Captain Todd Hutchens during the press briefing.

Those who have knowledge about this event should reach out to Sgt. Revell at (912) 486-5926.

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