Ex-Merced school bus driver pleads not guilty

A 58-year-old former school bus driver pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Merced County Superior Court over accusations of inappropriate conduct with a 17-year-old high school student.

Efrain Orozco is charged with one count of felony attempted unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, a charge that could mean up to 18 months behind bars if he is convicted.

Orozco, who is free on bail, agreed during the brief hearing in Judge Frank Dougherty's courtroom to stay away from the alleged victim, according to his attorney, Jeffrey Tenenbaum.

The defendant had been a bus driver with First Student School Bus Transportation Services, a private company that has a contract with the Merced County Office of Education. He was fired after the alleged Sept. 11 incident.