Bus driver charged with raping passenger with Alzheimer's

BY JESSIE BALMERT • Advocate Reporter • April 17, 2010

NEWARK -- A Licking County Aging Program bus driver has been arrested after officials say he raped a 71-year-old passenger.

Donald Moore, 71, last known address 1086 Nadine Drive, Heath, was charged with rape, a first-degree felony, after officials say he engaged in sexual conduct with a woman in his bus at about 7 a.m. Thursday.

Moore picked up the woman from her home and drove her to the Licking Springs Nature Trail, 1539 Columbus Road, Granville, where a passerby spotted her topless inside the bus in the back of the preserve, Licking County Sheriff's Office Capt. Dave Starling said.

The nature trail was a diversion from the planned route, Starling said.

Starling said Moore admitted to raping the woman, who has Alzheimer's disease, five times between December and Thursday. All these instances occurred in his bus and the woman did not know Moore outside of his role as the driver, Starling said.

The witness also contacted the Licking County Aging Program, which is working with Licking County detectives to investigate, Executive Director Dave Bibler said.

Aging program officials will discuss the accusations against Moore at their board meeting Monday afternoon, Bibler said.

"Obviously, we are concerned with the victim in this case," Bibler said.

Investigators said Moore gave no reason for his actions. The aging program runs background checks on all employees, Bibler said. Moore has no criminal record in Licking County, according to court records.

Moore remains in the Licking County jail on a $100,000 bond set Friday by Judge Michael Higgins. Moore requested a low bond because of a pre-existing medical condition.

The case will be reviewed by a grand jury for possible indictment.

Transportation is one aspect of the aging program. The program, funded by the senior levy, also provides food, social activities and home services such as bathing and handyman work.



From: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20104170314