School cabdriver who didn't disclose sex assault conviction sentenced

A Skokie cabdriver who transported children to and from schools in Cook, DuPage and Lake counties pleaded guilty to failing to disclose a 1993 sexual assault conviction which prohibits him from being on school grounds.

Jean Juste, 57, pleaded guilty last week to making a false statement on his driver application and to being in a school zone as a convicted sex offender, court records show.

In exchange for his guilty plea, Juste was sentenced to two years probation and 80 days in Cook County jail. The judge also ordered him to perform 200 hours of community service, court records show.

Prosecutors said Juste had worked for 303 Cab Co., whose services included transporting students, including special needs students, to area schools. To transport children, drivers must complete a school bus permit application and receive approval from the Illinois Secretary of State.

Juste signed an application in June 2010 affirming that he had never been convicted of any crimes that would disqualify him from driving a school bus or other transport vehicle, prosecutors said. He subsequently received a permit and proceeded to transport children, prosecutors said.

Juste received credit for the 43 days he has been in custody since his arrest.