A Collinsville Unit 10 bus monitor, employed by First Student Bus Company, was charged Thursday with sexual exploitation of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Thomas Hartsoe

A Collinsville Unit 10 representative contacted the Collinsville Police Department on April 3 about possible inappropriate contact between 76-year-old Thomas R. Hartsoe, of the 3000 block of N. 61st Street in Fairmont City and a child under the age of 13.

Following an investigation by the Collinsville Police Department, in conjunction with First Student and Unit 10, Hartsoe was charged with touching the child inappropriately and exposing himself to the child. Hartsoe’s bond was set at $200,000. He is in custody at the Collinsville Police Department.

At this point, it is believed that there was only one incident that occurred with this victim, and it was not on school grounds, Detective Bud Jeremias said. Hartsoe does not have any previous convictions for sex offenses, Jeremias said.

“It is not normal that a person that commits an act to a child has only one victim, unless you get them at the first victim,” Jeremias said.

The Collinsville Police Department is still actively investigating this case.  Anyone who has information about this case or other potential cases involving Thomas R. Hartsoe is encouraged to contact Detective Bud Jeremias at 618-344-2131, ext. 5275 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-8477.

In a written release, First Student said they are assisting the investigation and that the monitor is no longer employed by the company.

Attempts to reach Collinsville Unit 10 have been unsuccessful.