School Bus Driver Charged With 100 Child Porn Counts

A 62-year-old former school bus driver, Edward R. Smith, was arrested after facing 100 felony charges for possessing child sexual abuse materials on his cellphone. Pennsylvania State Police initiated an investigation approximately one year ago following a cyber tip. The materials were reportedly downloaded using a social media app called Zangi.

Authorities confirmed that the videos depicted sexual acts involving children aged three to fifteen, though none appeared to be local. Smith resided just one block from Latrobe Elementary School and had previously worked as a part-time trip driver for Smith Bus Company.

Smith Bus Company stated that Smith would not have operated a vehicle without a school district employee onboard and confirmed he was hired in October 2000 after passing all required background checks. He was terminated this week upon learning of the allegations.

Smith is currently held at Westmoreland County Prison on $25,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 17. Information regarding this case can be reported to state police or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.