By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – A Marshfield bus driver pleaded innocent on April 4, to accusations he hosted an underage drinking party and made sexual advances on a female minor.

Herbert Andres, 53, is charged in Wood County Circuit Court with one felony – sexual assault of a child by a person who works or volunteers with children – in connection with a New Years’ Eve drinking party.

According to testimony during a preliminary hearing, Marshfield police began an investigation of Andres after a Marshfield High School staff member reported he had been told a bus driver was “doing inappropriate things with students.”

Police were told Andres hosted parties at his house and provided alcohol to underage students, including on New Year’s Eve.

One teen told investigators Andres was being “touchy,” grabbed her inappropriately and tried to kiss her at the party. Andres allegedly acknowledged to investigators he had a New Year’s Eve party but said he did not provide the minors with alcohol.

No trial date has been set.