Orland Bus Driver Had No Complaints When He Was Hired: Spokesman

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland bus driver arrested for sexually abusing several children on his bus route passed a background check when he was hired by the company he worked for, the bus company's spokesman said Friday.

Arnold Monteclar, 57, of Monee, also had no complaints of inappropriate behavior before Cook-Illinois Corporation, the parent company of American School Bus Company, hired him, said Anthony Benish, the company's attorney.

In a statement, Benish said that American School Bus is cooperating with Orland School District 135 and the Orland Park Police Department in the investigation. He reiterated that Monteclar was suspended immediately after the company learned about the results of the investigation.

"We will continue to cooperate with the investigation," he said. "The safety of the children we transport is our highest priority."

Benish has not yet responded to other questions, including whether Monteclar would be fired.

In a letter to parents, Orland School District 135 Assistant Supt. John Bryk said that the district "took immediate action when notified of the situation."

"I am both saddened and angered by these events," Bryk wrote. "Student safety is District 135's first priority, and we appreciate your partnership in helping us keep our school community safe."

Monteclar was charged Thursday with three felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and misdemeanor battery.

According to police, Monteclar admitted to touching two students. He also told the students that he loved them and this was how he expressed his love, police said.