A Marlborough man was hit with a slew of charges today after allegedly sexually assaulting a minor, officials said. Derek Thistle, a 32-year-old school bus driver, stands accused of a series of serious offenses including forcible rape of a child and indecent assault and battery on a child under 14.

Authorities state that Thistle's lewd actions came to light after an incident in July of 2023 where he indecently exposed himself during a FaceTime call with the victim, which the victim’s aunt witnessed. According to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, the minor later disclosed that Thistle had sexually assaulted him months prior while at the defendant’s home.

At his arraignment, a judge set Thistle's bail at $10,000, and imposed stringent conditions to protect the community. Thistle has been ordered to stay away from the victim and any witnesses, forbidden from unsupervised contact with minors, and must remain in Massachusetts, reporting weekly to the Probation Department.

The accused has been connected to a role with significant interaction with children as a school bus driver, raising concerns about the potential for other victims. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 17, 2024. Prosecution has been taken up by Marissa Milero, with Cassie Aviles serving as the victim witness advocate in this unsettling case.