In a shocking revelation that has drawn outrage from parents, a 44-year-old bus driver named Jessica Marlow was arrested after a video surfaced showing her drinking beer while driving a school bus filled with 32 children. The incident occurred in Illinois, leading to her termination from the First Student Bus Company and subsequent legal action.
Authorities reported that Marlow has been charged with two counts of endangering the life and health of a child after allegedly consuming two beers during her route. Fortunately, no students were harmed; however, the potential risks of such reckless behavior are alarming. “When parents place their children on a school bus, they expect that their safety is prioritized,” stated Police Chief Sarah Thompson. “It’s infuriating to think someone entrusted with their care could act so irresponsibly.”
The alarming behavior was brought to light by the combined efforts of a vigilant convenience store clerk and a manager from the bus company. The clerk noticed Marlow purchasing alcohol and promptly alerted the local school district, prompting a police investigation. According to findings, Marlow had picked up the bus early that morning, completed one route, and then stopped to buy two cans of beer before continuing her journey with the children.
While the Aurora Police Department indicated that Marlow had no prior criminal history, records reveal that she received a citation in 2017 for possessing open alcohol as a driver. This prior incident involved a 12-ounce bottle of Mike’s Hard Lemonade, for which she was fined $120. It remains unclear if she was employed by First Student at that time, but she was noted to have held a Class B commercial driver’s license.
In response to the incident, First Student emphasized that the safety of the children they transport is their highest priority and confirmed that Marlow’s employment has been terminated. Furthermore, she will face a review by the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office regarding the status of her commercial driving privileges.
Marlow has been released on a $100 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on December 27. This disturbing incident highlights the critical importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of children during transport. For those interested in related topics, consider reading more about home insemination options at Home Insemination Kit, or find expert insights on fertility treatments, including IVF, at UCSF.
In summary, the actions of the bus driver not only endangered the lives of the children she was responsible for but also raised significant concerns about trust and safety in school transportation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for accountability and vigilance in all aspects of child care.
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