Proceedings Suspended In Case Involving Former Bus Driver

O'Dea
O'Dea

— Criminal proceedings were suspended Monday pending the outcome of a mental evaluation for a former Springdale School District bus driver.

George Thomas O’Dea, 65, of Rogers is charged with 10 counts of distributing, possession or viewing matter depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, a Class C felony. He could be sentenced from three to 10 years in prison on each count if convicted.

O’Dea was arrested Feb. 12. He was released from the Benton County Jail on Feb. 14 after posting a $50,000 bond.

O’Dea appeared in court Monday where his attorney requested a mental evaluation for O’Dea.

Circuit Judge Robin Green granted the request and suspended proceedings pending the outcome of the evaluation. The evaluation is scheduled to take place at Ozark Guidance in Springdale. Green canceled O’Dea’s jury trial that was scheduled for Jan. 7. O’Dea is scheduled to appear at 8:30 a.m. March 17 for a mental status hearing.

O’Dea admitted to downloading up to 200 images of pornography every day, according to a probable cause affidavit.

O’Dea admitted to downloading child pornography, but he claimed he didn’t do it intentionally and the material was lumped in with other downloads, the affidavit states. O’Dea said he never thought about reporting the images to law enforcement, according to court records.

Deputies went to O’Dea’s home where he was found downloading files that appeared pornographic in nature, according to court documents. The affidavit states a forensic examination of one computer hard drive revealed several hundred sexually explicit photographs of children between the ages of 4 and 16.

The photographs included children being photographed nude and engaging in sexual acts, according to court documents.

O’Dea had worked as a bus driver for the school district for three years. He resigned his position after his arrest.

Upcoming Events