Former Monessen bus driver pleads guilty to child pornography charges
A former bus driver in Monessen School District pleaded guilty to child pornography charges Monday in federal court.
Jack Brian Laforte, 55, of Monessen, could face up to 10 years behind bars when he is sentenced in March, federal prosecutors said.
Laforte was charged after Homeland Security Investigations received information about the upload of a pornographic image of a child at his home. Authorities searched his residence in June and seized various electronic devices, including a laptop that had videos that depicted the sexual exploitation of minors under the age of 12, according to court paperwork.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice. The program targets those who victimize, exploit and sexually abuse children.
When Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab sentences Laforte, he could also face a fine of up to $250,000.
He will remain free on $25,000 unsecured bond until his sentencing hearing March 17.