Officials: New Jersey School Bus Driver Sexually Assaulted 2 Young Girls During Daily 'Hide-And-Seek' Games

KINNELON, N.J. (CBS/AP) — A Morris County school bus driver sexually assaulted two young female students during daily games of "hide-and-seek" on the bus, authorities said. Thomas Thomasevich, 70, of Oakland, was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts each of sexual assault and child endangerment and six counts of cruelty and neglect of children, according to the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

It wasn't known Thursday if he's retained an attorney.

The sexual assaults began last October and continued near-daily until one of the girls spoke with guidance counselors on Jan. 17, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed by police. The girls were under the age of 13 and attended school in Kinnelon.

The sexual abuse occurred on the bus after Thomasevich parked at the school and allowed the children to play "hide and seek," authorities said. He arrived at the school early enough that the students remained on the parked bus, authorities said, and used the opportunity to commit the assaults. Thomasevich also bribed the girls with candy and donuts so they would not reveal what was happening, authorities said.

When questioned this week by police, authorities say Thomasevich told officers he might have touched one student, but that it was accidental because his eyes were closed for the game. He denied touching the other student.

A Kinnelon school district spokeswoman said Thomasevich worked for a private bus company and will not have any further contact with students. A bus company spokesman said the firm would be conducting its own internal investigation and that Thomasevich has been removed from service.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)