The Wausau Daily Herald reports that a 51-year-old school bus driver in Wisconsin could face more than 43 years in prison for child abduction, enticement and stalking. He allegedly tried to lure a 15-year-old student into his house with him, and eventually made inappropriate contact with the girl, once he finally dropped her off at her home.
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department said the incident allegedly occurred on June 7, when James T. Schmit of Tomahaw Bus Services, Inc., the contractor for the School District of Tomahawk, is accused of convincing her to remain onboard with him until the conclusion of the route, before he would circle back and drop her off. It was the district’s last day of school and the girl rode Schmit’s bus instead of her normal bus, though Schmit was her bus driver the previous five years.
After dropping off the remaining students, Schmit is accused of trying to take the girl to his house. He arrived and asked the girl if she wanted to meet his dog, at which point the girl became afraid and told Schmit to take her home immediately. He did, but as she exited the bus to her house, she claims he hugged her, kissed her on the forehead and told her he loves her.
Deputies were notified and checked the bus video. They said Schmit can be heard making sexual statements after the girl gets off the bus and he pulls away from her house before sounds can be heard indicating Schmit is performing a sexual act. He later admitted to the act.
He added that he has driven a school bus for over 26 years and has developed sexual desires for girls, some as young as 14 at the time.
Schmit remains in jail on $100,000 cash bond and is scheduled for his next court appearance on June 29.
