Parents sue bus driver over alleged assaults on preschoolers - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Parents sue bus driver over alleged assaults on preschoolers

A Willowbrook couple filed a lawsuit Wednesday claiming a school bus driver sexually assaulted their 3-year-old twins while transporting them to and from special education preschool classes.

The parents filed the lawsuit anonymously in Cook County Circuit Court. They allege the bus driver began abusing their children in October 2011 after luring them with candy and treats to gain their trust.

The parents claim the abuse continued through January 2012 while the children attended special needs classes at Gower West Elementary in Gower School District 26, according to the suit.

The driver allegedly rearranged the students' drop off schedule so he would be alone with the twins, and sexually assaulted them after parking the bus near their Willowbrook home, they claim. No other chaperones were present when the alleged abuse happened.

The Department of Children and Family Services began investigating the driver, a Berwyn resident, on January 6, spokesman Kendall Marlowe said. The investigation concluded May 5 and substantiated allegations of abuse relating to two children, he said.

The driver was added to the state's central register for child abuse and neglect, which some employers are legally required to reference while conducting background checks on potential hires.

DuPage County Circuit Court ordered the bus driver to have no contact with the family though at least 2014, but a spokesperson for the DuPage County State's Attorney's office had no immediate information on whether criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case.

The suit blames his employer, Grand Prairie Transit, for not equipping its buses with cameras, recorders or GPS tracking devices, the suit claims.

It also names as defendants the school district and the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education, which provides special education classes to students in 16 districts and arranged for the bus service in conjunction with the district. Both failed to provide students safe transportation to and from school, the parents claim.

The 11-count suit claims battery and infliction of emotional distress against both the driver and Grand Prairie Transit, as well as an additional count of negligence against the bus company.

It suit also claims willful and wanton conduct against Gower School District, LADSE, and a LADSE board member. It also makes a claim under the Family Medical Expense Act against all of the defendants.

None of the defendants could be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

The suit seeks at least $550,000 in damages plus the costs of the suit.