source News4JAX: FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A bus driver for the Flagler County School District was arrested after he drove middle school students home while under the influence of alcohol, according to a news release Thursday from the county Sheriff’s Office.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said the driver, Mark McNeil, 60, was booked into jail shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday and had a blood alcohol content level of .32 and .31, which is four times the legal limit in Florida. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a co-worker with direct contact to McNeil reported smelling alcohol, which was reported to supervisors. Investigators said McNeil attempted to pick up his school bus but drove off in a bus that was not assigned to him and proceeded along his usual afternoon route at Buddy Taylor Middle School to pick up students. continue reading.
If convicted, McNeil faces enhanced penalties under Florida law. While jail isn’t mandatory, these facts may warrant an additional charge of “child neglect”, a felony. McNeil faces an increased fine and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for six months, among other sanctions.
