Drunk Driving New Jersey School Bus Driver Gets 14-Year Prison Sentence

by
June 30, 2024
·

Former NJ School Bus Driver Sentenced to 14 Years for Drunk Driving with Students

New Jersey — A former school bus driver, Colleen Eutermarks, 52, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for driving under the influence with a bus full of students, showing a blood-alcohol level eight times the legal limit.

The incident occurred when state police noticed the bus being driven erratically. Eutermarks, who was transporting students from Wallkill Valley Regional High School and Franklyn Elementary School, was found with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.34 during a breathalyzer test, significantly exceeding the state limit of 0.04 for bus and commercial vehicle drivers.

During her arrest on January 28, 2022, police discovered a half-filled bottle of vodka in her purse. After a two-week trial in October, she was convicted on 27 counts of child endangerment. The sentence was delivered on Tuesday, with Sussex County’s acting Prosecutor Carolyn Murray stating that it underscores the severe criminal consequences of operating a school bus while intoxicated.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.