From Chicago Sun-Times
Kim Janssen and Rummana Hussain
Scrutiny of tour bus companies and the drivers they hire may garner more attention now after a Chicago tour bus driver was charged with aggravated DUI in the death of 26-year-old Justyna Palka. Police say David Soto, 47, was under the influence when he struck and killed Palka Tuesday evening at a crosswalk in downtown Chicago. According to court documents, Soto also tested positive for cocaine. Police say Soto was also charged with sex crimes involving children.
Soto was sentenced to eight years in prison in 1993 for aggravated criminal sexual assault of a 6-year-old relative; he served a four-year sentence in 1982 for attempted rape and aggravated battery.
Soto had been employed at Pontarelli Group Charter for six months. Court records show Soto was ticketed roughly 20 times for traffic violations between 1988 and 2008. For more, visit www.suntimes.com.