Hamilton County bus driver arrested for sexually explicit pictures of minor

Anthony Thomas Tollis
Anthony Thomas Tollis
photo Anthony Thomas Tollis

A bus driver for Hamilton County Schools was indicted Wednesday on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to the indictment, Anthony Thomas Tollis, 56, of Hixson, possessed and intended to sell or distribute material depicting a minor engaged in sexual activity, real or simulated.

The arrest was apparently made by the Red Bank Police Department, though Red Bank Police Chief Tim Christol couldn't be reached Friday afternoon to confirm.

Mike Quinn, general manager for Durham School Services, which operates buses for Hamilton County, confirmed that Tollis was employed as a bus driver with the county and was placed on paid leave following the incident. On Friday, that changed.

"Upon learning of the charges, the bus driver was immediately relieved of all duties," Molly Hart, a spokeswoman for Durham School Services said in a prepared statement Friday. "We are taking this matter very seriously and are cooperating with the police in their investigation."

Earlier this month, another Hamilton County bus driver, Alexander Rodriquez, was arrested on charges that he raped a 15-year-old student.

Tollis was booked into Hamilton County Jail on Thursday and is due to appear before Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman April 10.

Contact Will Healey at whealey@timesfreepress.comor 423-757-6731.

Arrest of Alexander Rodriquez:

Upcoming Events