School bus driver guilty of endangering students, judge rules

A former Huntley School District 158 bus driver faces up to a year in jail after a judge Tuesday ruled her guilty of intentionally slamming on her vehicle's brakes to toss dozens of students from their seats.

Julieta Clinton, 38, of Lake in the Hills, was found guilty of reckless conduct and endangering the life or health of a child as part of a plea deal in which she did not admit to the claims, but agreed not to dispute the evidence against her.

In return, McHenry County prosecutors dismissed 18 counts each of reckless conduct and endangering the life or health of a child.

Clinton attorney Mark Gummerson said his client maintains the incident was an accident, but agreed to the deal to spare the students a trial.

"She did not want to put the children through having to testify," Gummerson said. "This was not an intentional act and she'll be prepared to testify (to that) at sentencing."

Police said the incident occurred about 8:25 a.m. April 30 as Clinton's bus, loaded with 54 students, pulled into the Leggee Elementary School parking lot.

Apparently upset about some students' unruly behavior, police said, Clinton slammed on the brakes, sending students flying from their seats. Nineteen students received minor injuries, police said.

It was the second time that morning Clinton stopped the bus suddenly when she became frustrated with students, District 158 officials said. The district fired her shortly thereafter.

Nichole Owens, criminal division chief for the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office, said the office will seek "significant" jail time when Judge Charles Weech sentences Clinton April 3.

"This is a serious case that endangered the safety of 19 small children," Owens said, adding that some of the students' parents may testify at Clinton's sentencing hearing.

Besides jail time, Clinton could face a fine of up to $2,500, along with probation or court supervision. Gummerson said he expects to ask for supervision.