Southeast Minnesota School Bus Driver Accused of Repeated Sexual Abuse of Disabled Student

Winona, MN (KROC-AM News)- A southeast Minnesota school bus driver has been charged in a sexual assault case involving a student. 

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That’s according to a criminal complaint. The victim, who is now an adult, alleged the sexual abuse occurred between her junior and senior year in high school in 2017.

On August 6 of this year, the Winona County Sheriff’s Office first learned of the sexual abuse allegation. Investigators interviewed the victim less than a week later, the court document says. 

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The complaint says the victim is a disabled female. 

53-Year-Old Rushford Man Charged in School Bus Sex Assault Case Involving Disabled Teen Girl

53-year-old Timothy Thomas Wilkemeyer is charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. 

The victim told police that Wilkemeyer had been her bus driver since she was five years old. She told law enforcement that she asked Wilkemeyer about sex and for him to expose himself to her, the complaint indicates. 

The court document alleges Wilkeymer exposed himself to the victim and says the two had sexual conduct multiple times in the Winter and Spring of 2017 outside of the victim’s home on the bus. 

At one point they talked about having sex but decided not to, the complaint says. 

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).

In an interview with law enforcement, Wilkemeyer admitted to exposing himself to the victim and that she touched him, thinking it was her 18th birthday, the complaint says. 

Wilkemeyer denied sexually touching the victim. The Rushford man is being charged by summons. He’s due to make his first court appearance in October.