Criminal Sexual Conduct charges have been filed against a school van driver with the Cedar Mountain Bus Company.
 
Redwood County Attorney, Steven Collins confirmed that 63 year old Loren Eisenbarth of Morgan appeared in Redwood County Court on Monday afternoon.
 
The charges filed include-criminal sexual conduct in the 1^st degree involving a minor under the age of 13 and criminal sexual conduct charges for sexual contact.
 
Loren Eisenbarth, known as “Shorty” is employed by the Cedar Mountain Bus Company that has a contract to provide services to the Cedar Mountain School. School superintendent-Bob Tews stated that as soon as the school learned of the allegations of inappropriate behavior by Shorty-he was immediately removed as a driver. Tews stressed that student safety is their primary concern. The school has been cooperating with law enforcement and the Minnesota Department of Education. The Minnesota Department of Education is also investigating and has taken the lead in directing the school with communication. Now that charges have been filed-the school will be sending home a communication to parents and will meet with school staff to reinforce support and safety of students.
 
The criminal complaints allege that “Shorty” Eisenbarth was driving a school van route in Morgan and dropped the victim off about 20 minutes later than usual on January 30th. The victim told a care provider of the sexual contact and authorities were informed.
 
Through the investigation it has been determined that the child was dropped off also out of the pre-determined route order. Interviews are being conducted in the continued investigation. Redwood County Attorney Steven Collins reported that additional charges are possible.
 
Eisenbarth is in custody in Redwood County Jail. Bail was set at $225,000 without conditions and $175,000 with conditions. Conditions include no contact with potential witnesses or internet access. Eisenbarth is allowed contact with his grandchildren if their parents are present but no other children under 16. Eisenbarth has no previous criminal history. He will appear in court again on February 24^th.