A Botetourt County school bus driver is facing 25 counts of assault and battery.
The charges were brought as part of an ongoing investigation into reports from county school officials of 鈥渁lleged misconduct鈥 by the driver, according to a news release from the Botetourt County Sheriff鈥檚 Office.
Raymond Lewis Sherwood III, 50, of Troutville, was charged in connection with incidents that allegedly happened April 15 and April 22.
Sherwood
Botetourt County Sheriff's Office photo
The incidents occurred on a school bus and involved more than one student, Sgt. William Bentley of the sheriff鈥檚 office said Wednesday. He declined to provide additional information or disclose the ages or grade levels of the victims.
Investigators are continuing to review surveillance footage, take statements from witnesses and work with school officials, the sheriff鈥檚 office said.
The nature of the alleged contact does not support charges of sexual battery, according to the news release, which also stated that investigators鈥 understanding of the facts may change as the investigation continues.
A schools spokesman declined to comment when asked about the status of Sherwood鈥檚 employment.
Sherwood is free on a $5,000 unsecured bond. Reached by telephone Wednesday, he declined to comment.
The sheriff鈥檚 office is asking anyone with information about the case to contact Lt. Hix at 540-928-2200.
