Sex charges certified for former city bus driver

From staff reports
Published: September 10, 2008

Four charges of indecent liberties with a minor against a former Staunton bus driver were certified to a grand jury Wednesday in Augusta County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
Paula Tomlin, 36, had three charges in Staunton Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court certified to a grand jury Monday following a preliminary hearing. However, after her attorney stipulated probable cause, the proceeding ended without any testimony, sending the charges to a grand jury.
Tomlin was arrested May 29 for having an alleged sexual relationship with a 16-year old boy that took place between May 10 and May 25, according to police. The sexual encounters allegedly took place at Tomlin’s Orange Street apartment in Staunton and the Folly Mills Waterfall, a scenic area near Mint Springs.
Staunton Police Officer Aaron McFarlane, along with the 16-year old boy, testified Monday. McFarlane said Tomlin told him that she and the boy “became really close.” McFarlane also said Tomlin admitted to having sex with the boy on seven occasions. Spectators were excused from the courtroom before the boy’s testimony due to his juvenile status.
The Staunton grand jury meets Oct. 20, while the Augusta County grand jury meets Oct. 27.