Two Columbus boys charged with child molestation after incident on school bus

Two Columbus boys were charged with child molestation Wednesday afternoon after an incident on a school bus, authorities said.

The suspects, ages 12 and 13, were taken into custody at the school.

A Columbus police officer was working as a school security guard around 1 p.m. Wednesday when he was informed about an incident. It was reported that two students engaged in inappropriate conduct while on a school bus.

Mercedes Parham, the communications director with the Muscogee County School District, released a statement about the incident on Thursday.

"The report from school officials indicate that the incident occurred on December 8 during an afternoon route transporting students from Double Churches Middle School and alleges that two students participated in acts of a sexual nature while in transport," she said. "School officials received a report of the incident on December 11 and notified law enforcement."

Parham said the school district's primary focus is on the safety of the students and personnel.

"Allegations of this nature, involving Muscogee County School District students, are considered carefully with the primary concern being the safety of our students and personnel," she said. "Given the nature of these allegations, the District will proceed cautiously in cooperation with law enforcement to ensure the safety and privacy our students are prioritized."

Sarah Robinson: 706-571-8622, @sarahR_92

This story was originally published December 14, 2017 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Two Columbus boys charged with child molestation after incident on school bus."