Bus driver held for court in morals case

A school bus driver for Hill Top Bus Lines who is accused of sending children pornographic computer images waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday before District Justice Joseph Dalfonso of Monessen.

Jack LaForte, 36, of 1265 Rosecrest Ave., Monessen, no longer drives a bus for the Monessen School District. He faces 40 counts of corruption of the morals of minors after being accused of sending 15 e-mail messages containing pornographic images to a teen girl and 25 e-mail messages to a teen boy between Nov. 24 and Jan. 22.

LaForte was arrested Feb. 5.

Although Assistant District Attorney Tom Grace refused to comment, LaForte's attorney, Ray Amatangelo of Donora, said a tentative plea agreement has been reached. The attorney said LaForte would enter the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program, which does not require an admission of guilt but imposes probation for up to two years.

'We reached a middle ground that satisfies the prosecutor, the victims' families and Mr. LaForte,' Amatangelo said. 'Hopefully, everyone can move on with their lives.'

In an affidavit of probable cause, police said LaForte sent the children sexually explicit photos, jokes and cartoons via e-mail.

Police were alerted by the boy's mother on Jan. 16.

Corruption of minors is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison.

Amatangelo said LaForte still works for Hill Top Bus Lines doing desk work and driving charter buses, but he does not have contact with school children.

LaForte remains free on $5,000 bond.