Las Cruces school bus driver accused of having sex with teen

Authorities say a school bus driver in Las Cruces is accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenager.

Las Cruces police say 26-year-old Darien Pete was arrested Wednesday.

The Chaparral resident is being held on suspicion of two counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor.

Police say Pete allegedly met the 15-year-old girl this summer during his route to and from Arrowhead Park Early College High School.

They say the girl and Pete allegedly exchanged contact information and regularly communicated through social media and text messaging.

Police say the girl’s mother discovered social media communications between Pete and her daughter last weekend that appeared to be sexual in nature.

Pete has been booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center and is being held without bond.