Overview
- A Waukesha County judge on Friday sentenced 63-year-old Thomas Felser to 60 years in prison after his conviction for sexually assaulting four preschool- and kindergarten-age children.
- The sentence follows a May 7 jury verdict that found Felser guilty on eight of 11 charges related to the assaults of children ages 4 to 6.
- Prosecutors relied on bus surveillance video plus coordinated testimony from victims, witnesses and investigators to tie Felser to the crimes.
- Families described long-term harm to the children including nightmares, refusal to attend school, homeschooling and a newly developed fear of men, remarks that drew strong condemnation from the judge.
- Felser had been a teacher in the district for decades before becoming a bus driver in 2024, a fact that has prompted questions about personnel placement and district oversight as officials and residents consider how to prevent similar abuse.