East Islip NY
10-19-2025 8:35pm

Former Islip School Bus Driver Arraigned on Charges of Sexual Contact with Minor

ISLIP, N.Y. — A former school bus driver who worked for the Islip Union Free School District has been arraigned on charges alleging he engaged in sexual contact with a minor, Suffolk County officials said Thursday.

Accused Removed from Job Following Investigation

Authorities identified the defendant as Germis Santos, 37, of Brentwood. Santos, who was employed by a private transportation contractor serving the Islip schools, was taken into custody following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section.

Police said Santos was removed from his driving duties last month after detectives informed the bus company of the allegations. He had been assigned to routes in the Islip area for only a few weeks before his termination.

Officials stressed that the alleged abuse did not involve any students from the Islip district and did not take place on school property or during work hours.

Charges Filed and Court Appearance

Santos was arraigned in Suffolk County Court on multiple charges, including second-degree sexual conduct against a child, third-degree sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was ordered held in custody pending further court proceedings.

Prosecutors allege the inappropriate contact occurred over a period of time beginning in 2021. The victim, whose name is being withheld due to age, is known to the defendant but is not connected to his work as a bus driver.

District and Company Response

The Islip School District confirmed that it was notified of the arrest and immediately contacted parents to assure them no district students were believed to be involved. In a statement, school officials said they were “deeply disturbed by the allegations” and would review their transportation vendor’s hiring and screening procedures.

The private bus company that employed Santos also said that he had passed all required background checks — including fingerprinting and state clearance — prior to his hire. Once notified of the investigation, the company said it acted swiftly to remove him from service and is cooperating fully with police.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

The arrest has prompted concern among parents and community members who rely on contracted transportation services for their children. Several parents outside Islip Middle School said they appreciated the district’s transparency but wanted more oversight of third-party drivers.

Police are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with additional information to contact the Suffolk County Special Victims Section.

Santos is expected to return to court later this month.

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