Las Cruces bus driver charged with criminal sexual penetration of a minor

A Dona Ana County grand jury has indicted and charged a Las Cruces bus driver with allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student.

Darien Pete, 26, was indicted on two counts of sexual penetration of a minor — both fourth-degree felonies.

“Protecting the children of Doa Ana County is one of my highest priorities. If convicted as charged, the defendant in this case could be sentenced to three years in prison and would have to register as a sex offender,” District Attorney Mark D’Antonio said in a statement.

According to detectives with the Las Cruces Police Department, Pete was a school bus driver and met the 15-year-old girl on his route over the summer.