DUBUQUE, Iowa — A former Dubuque Community School District bus driver has pleaded guilty to assaulting a student with autism and will serve 24 months of probation under a deferred judgment, according to court records and local news reports.

Nick J. Gau, 69, of Asbury, Iowa, entered the guilty plea on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, to a charge of assault causing bodily injury or mental illness. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Gau received a deferred judgment and was placed on probation for 24 months. Formal sentencing is deferred pending successful completion of the probation period. 

The incident occurred on December 11, 2025, while a school bus was parked in the Washington Middle School parking lot. Court documents and police reports indicate the Dubuque Community School District reviewed surveillance video of the encounter and contacted law enforcement. The video reportedly shows Gau confronting an 11-year-old student (described in some reports as approximately 10 years old), pinning the child against the side of the bus, and kicking the student multiple times. Audio from the video includes Gau making statements to the effect of “If you are going to kick me, I will kick you” and “I’m sick of your sh**.” 

The school provided photographs showing bruising on the student’s leg and redness on the forearm. The student has autism, according to the child’s mother and reporting based on court filings. 

Gau was arrested on February 3, 2026, and released on cash bond. The Dubuque Community School District stated that it reported the matter to police the day it became aware of the video and immediately terminated Gau’s employment. In a statement, the district emphasized that student safety is its top priority and that procedures are in place to address issues promptly while supporting affected students. 

The case stems from events in late 2025. Gau had been employed as a route driver or driver in training with the district’s transportation department. No additional charges or prior related incidents involving Gau in this matter have been publicly detailed in available court summaries or news coverage as of the plea date.

Deferred judgment in Iowa allows a defendant who successfully completes probation conditions to avoid a permanent conviction on their record in many circumstances, subject to court oversight. Specific terms of Gau’s probation, such as any required classes, no-contact orders, or other conditions, were not fully detailed in initial reports of the plea.

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