Dozens of Charges Filed Against Former Bladen County School Bus Driver
On April 15th, 2024, the Bladen County school system terminated 63-year-old David Earl Denkins of Tar Heel for allegations of taking indecent liberties with a student on his bus. One week later, eight more sexual abuse victims have come forward with similar accusations.
Sex Abuse Allegations Against Bladen County Bus Driver Include Felony Charges
The litany of charges now includes:
- Nine felony counts of taking indecent liberties with a student
- Nine felony counts of indecent liberties with a child
- Nine counts of misdemeanor sexual battery
- Nine counts of misdemeanor child abuse
What Do These Sex Offense Charges Mean in North Carolina?
In legal terminology, “indecent liberties” — sometimes called “lewd and lascivious acts” — include a broad range of indecent, improper actions. One can be charged with “taking indecent liberties” without having actually touched the child. It may include exposing or touching oneself in front of a child, asking or attempting to touch a child, French kissing, or touching, fondling and intercourse. As a class F felony, a conviction for “indecent liberties with a minor” carries a maximum sentence of 59 months in prison, a probationary term, and lifelong sex offender registration.
Unlike sexual assault, the charge of “sexual battery” always includes actual physical contact. Children under age 18 can never “consent” to this type of activity. “Misdemeanor child abuse” is another type of Class A1 misdemeanor that involves inflicting physical injury one a child under one’s trusted care.
Both crimes are punishable by 150 days in jail and 10-30 years on the sex offender registry.
These criminal punishments are aimed at punishing perpetrators as well as removing them from society to prevent further harm. However, the survivors of sexual abuse may also be entitled to financial recompense for losses stemming from the physical and emotional trauma they suffered. Civil courts allow for an expanded scope of liability against the employers of sexual abusers. It is possible to pursue criminal charges and a civil lawsuit concurrently.
Pursuing Criminal and Civil Sex Abuse Penalties With The Rhine Law Firm
This investigation is still ongoing and additional charges are expected. If you have additional details about this case, contact the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office at 910-862-6960 and the Rhine Law Firm at 910-606-5172.
The Rhine Law Firm is currently investigating these claims and considering whether the institutions tasked with vetting, hiring, and supervising the school bus driver in this case may be liable for civil damages. We are experienced in handling these sorts of claims:
- Recently, we won a $5.75 million verdict on behalf of 14 male students abused by science teacher Michael Kelly over 20 years in New Hanover County.
- We also secured $3 million in damages for two female students sexually abused by teaching assistant Christopher Holland in Guilford County.
- We are currently investigating Robeson County cases involving former social studies teacher Wyvis Oxendine, Jr. and former middle school substitute teacher David Alexander Goins.
If you or someone you love is a sexual abuse survivor, we encourage you to contact a sexual abuse attorney at The Rhine Law Firm, P.C., located in Wilmington at 1612 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 300 and online at www.rhinelawfirm.com.
