William A. Wetzel, of Augusta, a school bus aide for USD 402, was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a student aboard one of the district’s buses. Officials say the assault was caught on a security camera.
The Probable Cause Affidavit filed in the case states that the 73-year-old Wetzel did engage in lewd fondling or touching of a child who was fourteen (14) or more years of age but less than sixteen (16) years of age. The single count is Aggravated Indecent Liberties With A Child, a Level 4 Person Felony.
The incident allegedly occurred December 16th. Wetzel was taken into custody by the Augusta Police Department on December 18th without incident at a remote school facility with no other children present. No other victim has been identified.
School officials declined further comment, as did county and city law enforcement, citing an ongoing investigation.
Bond for Wetzel was set at $300,000. The Butler County District Court issued an electronic monitoring order and a no-contact order for the defendant. Wetzel’s next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on January 2nd.
Reporter’s Update: At the preliminary hearing, the court found sufficient evidence a crime was committed. Wetzel will next appear in court for a preliminary examination March 17th to determine if evidence exists for a trial on the felony charge.
