Bus Aide, 79, Accused of Sexually Abusing Child On Bus

BATAVIA, IL — A 79-year-old school bus aide employed by Batavia Public School District 101 is accused of sexually abusing a child on a school bus this past week. Ronald A. Spychalski, of the 200 block of Chasse Circle in St. Charles, is being held on a $50,000 bail following allegations of the sexual abuse, which occurred on Aug. 27.

The victim, authorities said, is younger than 13 years old. Another child on the bus heard the victim talking about the incident and told her parents, according to a news release from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office. The parents then contacted District 101 to report the alleged incident.

Spychalski is charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony; and sexual exploitation of a child, a Class 4 felony. He appeared in bond court Thursday morning and, if released on bond, has been ordered to have no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with anyone younger than 18 years old, prosecutors said.

If convicted of the most serious offense, Spychalski faces a sentence of probation or between 3 and 7 years in prison. In addition, Spychalski would have to register for life as a sexual offender in accordance with the Illinois Sexual Offender Registration Act.

Spychalski is next due in court on Sept. 13.