CARY, N.C. — Cary police have arrested a former driving instructor assigned to a high school for acting inappropriately with several girls he was teaching to drive.

Gregory Thomas was charged with seven counts of assault on a female. Police say the alleged crimes took place while Thomas was riding with students from Green Hope High School from March through June 2004.

Officers say Thomas placed his hand on the inner thigh of the girls while teaching them how to drive. The incidents involved two 14-year-old girls, three 15-year-old girls and two 16-year-old girls.

While a comprehensive investigation has taken place, officials believe there may be more victims.

"We're hoping that parents will talk with their children about this suspect and let us know if there are any other incidents we need to look into," said Capt. Dave Wulff, head of Cary's Criminal Investigations Division.

At the time, Thomas was an employee of Jordan Driving School in Garner, which was contracting with the Wake County Public School System to teach driver's education. Police say Thomas was fired when the allegations surfaced and banned from campus.

"I think the families, whenever there is an issue along those lines, want closure. They want the truth to come out," said Kevin Hill, principal of Green Hope High School.