Investigation of Barrington bus driver’s conduct widens

Barrington Unit District 220 officials Tuesday discovered that the school bus driver under investigation after an accusation he inappropriately touched a student from Barbara Rose Elementary School in South Barrington had previously driven routes serving North Barrington School and Barrington Middle School-Station Campus.

The driver has been placed on leave by Barrington Transportation Co. since the original complaint was received last week, but the scope of the criminal investigation into his past behavior has been widened, District 220 officials said Tuesday.

No charges have been filed against the driver, but the investigation started by the South Barrington Police Department and Department of Children and Family Services now includes the Lake County Sheriff’s Office as well.

The driver’s alleged inappropriate conduct was said to have occurred nearly two weeks ago and was reported to District 220 officials April 16. That is the last day the man drove a bus before being placed on leave by his employer.