By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – A Marshfield school bus driver has been formally charged with having illegal sexual contact with a minor during a New Year’s Eve party which he was hosting.

Herbert Andres, 53, made his initial appearance in Wood County Circuit Court March 19, where he was charged with sexual assault of a child by a person who volunteers or works with children. He’s currently free on a $10,000 signature bond.

Court documents indicate several students interviewed by police told investigators that Andres supplied alcohol and was drinking heavily at the Dec. 31 party. One 18-year-old student said Andres also started touching students inappropriately and removed his shirt.

Two minor students reported inappropriate contact by Andres during the party.

In addition, Andres has been accused of using social media since his initial release on bond to try reaching students, despite a judge’s order against contact with anyone under the age of 18.

Wood County Judge Nicholas Brazeau, Jr. has granted a request that Andres be allowed to have supervised contact with underage relatives over the upcoming Easter weekend.

No future court dates have been scheduled.