SAGINAW, Mich. A Saginaw Intermediate School District bus assistant is facing multiple criminal sexual conduct charges after prosecutors allege he repeatedly engaged in inappropriate contact with a special education student while working for the school district, according to court records filed in Saginaw County District Court.
Morris Holmes is charged with several counts of criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree. The charges stem from alleged incidents that prosecutors say occurred over a period of several weeks in the fall of 2025 while Holmes was employed by the Saginaw Intermediate School District.
According to felony complaints filed in district court, prosecutors allege Holmes engaged in repeated inappropriate contact with a student who was receiving special education services through the district. Michigan law classifies criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree as a high court misdemeanor when a school employee, substitute, contractor, or service provider has prohibited contact with a student receiving special education services from the same district.
Saginaw ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Collier released the following statement:
Court records indicate the alleged conduct occurred between late October and late November of 2025 while Holmes was assigned as a bus assistant responsible for transporting students with developmental disabilities. Prosecutors allege the incidents took place on a school bus during regular transportation routes.
According to bond documents filed in circuit court, the alleged incidents were captured by a video camera installed inside the school bus. Prosecutors state they reviewed video evidence that they say shows alleged inappropriate contact occurring on 19 separate days during the time period outlined in the charging documents.
Court records state Holmes was interviewed during the investigation. According to the bond recommendation, Holmes admitted to touching the student and told investigators he believed the contact was intended to calm the individual.
The bond filing further states that school administrators reported Holmes had specifically requested to be assigned to a bus serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Court documents indicate Holmes was placed on leave from his position with the school district following the allegations and the subsequent investigation.
Prosecutors argue in court filings that the likelihood of conviction is high due to the presence of video evidence and Holmes’ statements during the investigation. The bond recommendation also references Holmes’ prior criminal history, which includes a domestic violence conviction from 1998 and a disorderly conduct related conviction from 2024.
As part of pretrial proceedings, prosecutors are requesting a 250,000 dollar cash or surety bond. If Holmes is able to post bond, prosecutors are asking the court to impose several conditions, including GPS monitoring and restrictions that would prohibit contact with any schools.
Criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree carries a potential penalty of up to two years in jail and a fine of up to 500 dollars under Michigan law. Court records also note that mandatory testing for sexually transmitted diseases may be ordered if there is a conviction.
The felony complaints include notices related to the Michigan Sex Offender Registration Act. Any registration requirement would be determined later in the legal process and would depend on factors including the nature of the conviction and other criteria outlined in state law.
Holmes is expected to be arraigned in district court, with additional hearings anticipated as the case proceeds through the Saginaw County court system. No trial date has been set.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations. Holmes is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
