BILLINGS, Mont. — A former school bus driver in Montana has pleaded guilty to being under the influence of methamphetamine while operating the vehicle, endangering his student passengers and other drivers, prosecutors said.
Keith Adam Jones, 46, pleaded guilty in Yellowstone County District Court on Friday to criminal endangerment and driving under the influence, the Billings Gazette reported.
Jones fell asleep at the wheel in September, drove over curbs and into a yard during his morning route dropping students off at Ben Steele Middle School, authorities said. Students reported the erratic driving to their parents.
Police said an officer spoke with Jones after he arrived at the school and said his speech was slurred. Jones tested negative on a breath sample for alcohol but allegedly told police he used marijuana, authorities said.
Jones was driving for private busing company First Students, which contracts with Billings Public Schools. He was fired after the incident.
Prosecutors will recommend 10 years under a plea agreement, with half of the time suspended or served on probation. Prosecutors are also seeking a $1,500 fine.
, chemical dependency evaluation and a requirement Jones follow all treatment recommendations.
