School Bus Driver Arrested In Internet Sex Crimes Case
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) - A school bus driver who works for the Westminster Public Schools has been arrested for alleged Internet sex crimes.
Police in Weld County arrested Phillip Ogren, 65, on Tuesday.
The affidavit states that a Homeland Security agent answered an ad for sex he placed on Craigslist. In an email exchange, the agent said Ogren arranged a meeting at Prairie View Park in Evans, Weld County. That's where police were waiting.
The exchange of emails led to four felony sex charges.
The school district notified parents and posted the information on their website.
"The safety of our students is our highest priority and we take these allegations very seriously. We are fully cooperating with investigators," school officials said in a prepared statement.
They say there is no indication any students were victimized, but are making contact with the families of approximately 200 students who were driven to and from school by Ogren to let them know about the case.
The school district suspended Ogren, then he resigned Thursday.
Officials said he "passed all required background and safety checks" when he was hired 15 months ago.
The District Attorney has until Friday March 18 to formally file charges. Ogren is currently out on bond.