West Haven Police have arrested a former school bus driver who is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old West Haven High School student on his bus.
Police said Alan Demand, 51, is accused sexually assaulting the student several times between October 2013 and December 2013 and continuing an illegal sexual relationship with the student until the person reported the assaults to a school resource officer.
According to the warrant, Demand driver got the girl’s cell number after claming his phone wasn't working properly and asking her to call. The two then had various text message conversations.
The victim said Demand asked her on numerous occasions to kiss him. She didn’t want to, but eventually gave in, according to the warrant.
She said the first time Demand touched her was in September.
The victim had allegedly texted him to say she had shaved her legs, asked if he wanted to feel them and said Demand felt her legs when she got on the bus after school.
In November, the girl texted Demand to see when he was taking a break. When Demand picked her her up, he allegedly touched her genitals and rubbed up against her on the bus, according to the warrant.
Police responded to the area after a witness called reported seeing what appeared to be a man and girl on the bus and Demand denied he was with anyone when police showed up, according to the warrant.
In one communication, Deemand allegedly said “Please don’t tell your mom anything else cause I’ll go to Jail.”
The warrant says the victim was worried about Demand getting into trouble, but was uncomfortable about what was happening and reported it to school resource officers and her mother.
Police said they did not find any naked pictures on Demand’s phone, but the victim said she sent him inappropriate pictures.
Demand was immediately suspended from his driver position at Winkle Bus Company when the allegations were made, police said.
The bus company referred NBC Connecticut to its attorney.
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The West Haven Board of Education referring all requests for comment to the West Haven Police Department, but issued a statement from the superintendent.
"The school district has been working with the Police Department and Winkle Bus regarding this incident since it was brought to our attention. We believe that Winkle Bus handled the situation appropriately and quickly, as the bus driver was immediately suspended. The school also immediately began providing additional support to the student, and that support has been ongoing. We appreciate the Police Department and school administration’s diligence in this matter, as our students’ safety is our utmost priority," West Haven Supt. Neil Cavallaro said in a statement.
Detectives assigned to Special Victims Unit arrested Demand, who was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual assault, illegal sexual contact and unlawful restraint.
He was held on $75,000 and is due back in court on April 15.
NBC Connecticut called Demand's home in New Haven, but there was no answer. He is being represented by a public defender.
