Fort Worth, TX — A former school bus driver has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to producing sexually explicit photos of two children in Fort Worth, according to federal prosecutors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas confirmed that 60-year-old Scott Wayne O’Toole entered a guilty plea in April to two counts of sexual exploitation of children. He was sentenced on Thursday, Aug. 28 by Judge Reed O’Connor.
How the Investigation Began
Authorities first began investigating O’Toole in December 2024 after a USB drive containing child sexual abuse material was discovered at a hotel in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he had been staying during a temporary bus driving assignment.
The FBI, the Fairbanks Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety worked together on the investigation, which ultimately connected O’Toole to the Fort Worth offenses.
School Bus Driving Career
O’Toole, who previously lived in Joshua, Texas, and Fort Worth, was hired by Durham School Services in the fall of 2023.
In November 2024, he was sent to Fairbanks, Alaska, as a temporary transfer driver and continued working there until his arrest in December. Following his arrest, the company confirmed he was immediately removed from all bus routes and terminated.
A company spokesperson told the Star-Telegram that O’Toole had passed all required screenings before being hired:
“He had a clean record when he was hired and completed all mandatory background checks, including a comprehensive criminal record search and a federal fingerprinting process.”
The case details were first reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Key Case Details
- Defendant: Scott Wayne O’Toole, 60
- Charges: Two counts of sexual exploitation of children
- Sentence: 60 years in federal prison
- Investigating Agencies: FBI, Fairbanks Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety
- Employment: Former school bus driver with Durham School Services
- Discovery: USB drive with child sexual abuse material found in Fairbanks hotel, Dec. 2024
Prosecutors’ Warning
Federal prosecutors emphasized that the case highlights the ongoing dangers of child exploitation and the importance of vigilance even in regulated industries like school transportation.
Law enforcement urged communities to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity involving children immediately.
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