Man charged in relation to sexual assaults on church bus, say police

Luke Stewart was arrested in relation to sexual assaults on church bus investigation, says Sumter Police. (Photo: Sumter Police Department)

SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO)– Sumter Police say a local man is in jail, and faces charges in relation to reported sexual assaults on a church bus.

Police department officials say they were notified by the leadership at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church after reports of sexual assaults of a woman by the church’s bus driver were brought to their attention.

After an initial investigation, Luke Stewart, 59, of Sumter, was taken into custody Wednesday morning, Aug. 13.

Stewart was charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct-3rd degree, and booked at the county detention center.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

Sumter Police Department encourages all victims of sexual assault to contact law enforcement and seek help through agencies like Pathways to Healing, the YWCA of the Upper Lowlands and the S.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.