Former Londonderry School Bus Driver Held On Child Sexual Assault

LONDONDERRY, NH — A former Londonderry school bus driver has been extradited to New Hampshire to face five aggravated felonious sexual assault charges and one count of false imprisonment against a minor. Dewey "Chip" Wambsganss Jr., 59, of Londonderry, is being held in jail on high bail after being charged with sexually assaulting a child. Police say they do not believe the sexual assaults happened on school property or the school bus. Anyone who thinks their child had inappropriate contact with him is asked to call the Londonderry police.

According to police, Wambsganss drove the school bus for the Londonderry School District for about 18 months. The victim in this case was known to him outside of his work as a school bus driver, police say. Due to the serious nature of the allegations, police have been working with the Londonderry School District and Student Transportation of America to determine his exact bus routes and which school districts he worked for.

Wambsganss turned himself in to police in Waxhaw, North Carolina on June 21, after Londonderry police announced the warrant for his arrest earlier that day. This past weekend, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office transported Wambsganss back to New Hampshire to face the charges here.

During arraignment Tuesday, Wambsganss was ordered be held in Rockingham County jail on $100,000 cash bail, according to the Eagle-Tribune. The newspaper reported that the victim was 8 years old.

According to the Londonderry police log, the five aggravated felonious assault charges involve allegations of fondling. The false imprisonment charge is a misdemeanor. Police have not released when the reported assaults took place or whether additional charges are expected.

Those who believe their child had inappropriate contact with Wambsganss or another person are asked to call the Londonderry police. Confidential interviews are available. Police can also offer advice on how to talk to your child about sexual assault.

Those who have further information about the case are encouraged to call Londonderry Police Detective Michael Tufo at 603-432-1118 or email him at mtufo@londonderrynhpd.org.