CHARGED: August 9, 2007 -
David Gerlach, 49, a school bus driver and school bus manager for the school district, was charged with felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct, felony third-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct and contributing to the need for protection or services for allegedly performing a sexual act on. (Charges filed July 25.)
Gerlach was text-messaging the boy with promises of gifts and alchohol. The boy's mother turned the phone over to police who set up a sting to meet Gerlach.
He also faces 17 felony charges in Mower county for allegedly forming an eight-year sexual relationship with a boy that started in 1993 when the victim was 8 years old.
They have charged him with 12 counts of criminal sexual conduct in the 1st degree, four counts of criminal sexual conduct in the 2nd degree and burglary in the 1st degree.
See Charges against bus driver bring shock, silence
See School Bus Driver Faces Sex Assault Charges
[Superintendent Ronald] Evjen says, "Just because you pass a background check doesn't mean things don't happen after that time."August 10: First Mower County hearing postponed while Gerlach finds an attorney.
Sheriff Thompson says, "People don't just wake up one day and bingo they have a preference for young boys."
Sheriff Thompson says it wouldn't surprise him if more victims came forward.
Next hearing is Oct 17.
