New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is ordering the state inspector general's office to begin an investigation into how the operator of a tour bus that crashed had a commercial driver's license despite his poor driving and criminal record.
A state official familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press on Monday that driver Ophadell Williams had a log book that was incomplete for several days before the crash. Commercial drivers need to keep a log book to track their travels and hours behind the wheel.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.
Officials say Williams has a criminal record that includes convictions for manslaughter and grand larceny. Authorities say Williams spent two years in prison for his role in a 1990 stabbing. He was also sent to prison for three more years in 1997 for stealing a check worth more than $83,000.
Transportation officials plan to interview Williams on Tuesday.
Williams told police that his bus was clipped by a tractor-trailer before it crashed, killing 15 people. Witnesses say he swerved at times.
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