BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. — A former Botetourt County school bus driver has pleaded no contest to two counts of assault and battery following a months-long investigation into allegations that he inappropriately touched students while driving a school bus earlier this year.
According to the Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney John Alexander, Raymond Lewis Sherwood III, 50, of Troutville, entered the plea as part of a negotiated agreement that resolves a total of 25 original assault and battery charges.
Under the terms of the plea, two counts were taken under advisement for 12 months. During that time, Sherwood must remain of good behavior and have no contact with the complaining witnesses. If he complies with those conditions, the charges will be dismissed after one year.
Prosecutors elected not to pursue the remaining 23 counts, a decision Alexander said was made in consultation with the students and their families. “This agreement was discussed with the complaining witnesses and their families and had their support,” Alexander told WDBJ7.
Allegations and Investigation
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office launched its investigation in April 2025 after receiving a report from a representative of the Botetourt County Public Schools. Investigators were told that multiple incidents involving Sherwood had occurred aboard a school bus during the month of April.
Authorities said the alleged physical contact did not meet the legal threshold for sexual battery because it did not involve intimate body areas, but the conduct was considered inappropriate and sufficient to justify assault and battery charges.
Sherwood was initially charged with 25 counts and released on an unsecured $5,000 bond pending trial.
Employment Termination
In a statement to media outlets, the Botetourt County School Division confirmed that Sherwood’s employment was terminated effective June 30, 2025.
“The safety of our students remains our top priority,” the division said. “We cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation and have taken steps to ensure this type of situation does not occur again.”
Legal Resolution and Conditions
The no contest plea does not require an admission of guilt, but it allows the court to treat the plea as if a conviction had occurred for the purpose of setting conditions and supervision.
Sherwood must remain on good behavior for one year and avoid all contact with the victims. If he fulfills those requirements, the charges will be dismissed at the end of the 12-month period.
Alexander said the agreement balances accountability with the wishes of the families involved. “This outcome was supported by those directly affected and takes into consideration their input and well-being,” he said.
Sherwood’s attorney, Pat Thomas, issued a brief statement following the hearing, confirming his client’s cooperation with the plea arrangement and commitment to abide by its terms.
Community and School Concerns
The case has raised questions about student safety on school transportation and the safeguards in place to monitor staff behavior.
While prosecutors emphasized that the case did not involve sexual misconduct, parents and educators have expressed concern about how alleged inappropriate contact occurred in the first place — and whether additional oversight, such as bus camera reviews and driver monitoring, should be more frequent.
Education officials in Botetourt County say they plan to continue reviewing safety and reporting protocols for all transportation staff.
Broader Implications
The Sherwood case serves as a reminder of the trust placed in school employees and the importance of accountability when that trust is violated.
Though the plea deal brings closure for the families involved, it also highlights the delicate balance between legal resolution, community confidence, and the ongoing responsibility of schools to ensure a safe environment for every student.
Summary:
- Defendant: Raymond Lewis Sherwood III, 50, of Troutville
- Charges: 25 counts of assault and battery
- Plea: No contest to 2 counts (taken under advisement for 12 months)
- Outcome: Charges to be dismissed if conditions met
- Employment: Terminated from Botetourt County Public Schools June 30, 2025
- Incident Dates: April 2025
- Investigating Agency: Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office
Reporting by: Vinton Voice News
Source: WDBJ7, WSLS, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, Commonwealth’s Attorney John Alexander