News

Actions

Former Westminster Schools bus driver pleads guilty to attempted sex assault on a child

Posted at 3:41 PM, Oct 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-19 19:51:03-04

GREELEY, Colo. --  A former Westminster Schools bus driver accused of trying to solicit sex with minors through Craiglist ads pleaded guilty Wednesday in Weld County District Court.  

Phillip Ogren, 66, plead guilty to Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child and Sexual Exploitation of a Child. He faces up to six years in the Department of Corrections, a fine up to $750,000 and could be placed on the sex offender registry for the rest of his life.

The disturbing methods the former school driver used came to light after an undercover Homeland Security agent posed as a 14-year-old boy and responded to an ad soliciting sex on Craigslist. The ad included graphic language and a photo, according to court documents.

In a series of text messages, Ogren talked about showering together and performing sex acts on the boy. The agent and Ogren also discussed their ages. Court documents show Ogren replied, "Yes I do like young men." He also thought the boy was a virgin.

RELATED: Court documents show how Phillip Ogren tried to lure minors for sex online

Homeland Security was involved as part of Operation Predator, an effort to stop child exploitation. The agent posing as the teen arranged a meeting at the park, and when Ogren showed up, police arrested him.

Ogren was hired by the Westminster School District in December of 2014. A district spokesperson said he passed all required background and safety checks when he was hired. He is no longer employed by the district. 

---------

Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.

Or, keep up-to-date by following Denver7 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.