LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - Prosecutors say a former Las Cruces school bus driver is facing up to a three-year prison sentence after pleading no contest to a rape charge.
They say 27-year-old Darien Pete was accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl.
Dona Ana County District Attorney Mark D’Antonio says Pete pleaded no contest with no agreement to sentencing or reduction in charges to two counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor.
Pete also will have to register as a sex offender.
According to investigators, Pete met the girl last year while driving a school bus.
The two maintained communication through social media and text messaging. The girl’s mother discovered some of the messages and contacted police.
Prosecutors say Pete will undergo a 60-day diagnostic evaluation starting in early January before sentencing.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.