A former North Carolina school bus driver is facing a serious felony charge after investigators say he was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student — and authorities eventually tracked him down while he was trying to board a cruise ship.
According to reports, 56-year-old Ricky Taylor, a former bus driver with the Rowan-Salisbury school system, was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a juvenile student.
The investigation reportedly began on November 22, 2024, after authorities were notified about the alleged relationship. Taylor was connected to Early College Rowan-Cabarrus, where he worked as a school bus driver.
Investigators eventually obtained a warrant accusing Taylor of felony indecent liberties with a student by a school guardian.
But there was a major problem for investigators: Taylor had reportedly left North Carolina and moved out of state.
For months, authorities were unable to get their hands on him.
That changed in a wild way.
Authorities reportedly discovered Taylor while he was in Florida attempting to board a cruise ship. His information allegedly triggered a notification that he was wanted, leading to his arrest before he could take the trip.
Taylor was subsequently extradited back to North Carolina to face the outstanding charge.
According to authorities, he was served with the warrant on September 1, 2026, and booked into the Rowan County Detention Center.
Investigators have alleged that the victim was a juvenile at the time of the alleged conduct. Authorities also said Taylor was at least four years older than the student.
The allegations involve a person who held a position of trust around students, making the case particularly disturbing.
School bus drivers can have regular access to students during transportation to and from school, and allegations involving inappropriate conduct between school employees and students can lead to criminal investigations and disciplinary action.
It remains important to note that Taylor is accused of the offense and has not been found guilty in court. The criminal charge represents an allegation, and he is entitled to due process as the case moves forward.
The unusual circumstances surrounding his arrest, however, have put additional attention on the case. Rather than being arrested at his home or during a routine traffic stop, investigators reportedly located him in Florida as he was preparing to board a cruise ship.
The case is now back in North Carolina, where Taylor will face the criminal charge stemming from the investigation.
Authorities have not indicated that the investigation is over, and additional details could emerge as the case proceeds through the court system.
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