Bus driver guilty of braking hard to throw kids

[January 22, 2009]  HUNTLEY (AP) -- An Illinois school bus driver has been found guilty of intentionally slamming on the brakes to throw misbehaving children from their seats.

A judge in Huntley found Julieta Clinton guilty on Tuesday of reckless conduct and child endangerment as part of a plea deal in which Clinton did not admit guilt.

McHenry County prosecutors say Clinton was driving 54 youngsters to school last April when she became frustrated with their unruly behavior and braked hard twice.

Her attorney says it was an accident.

One youngster was treated at a hospital and 18 others were treated at the scene.

The children ranged in age from 5 to 10.

Clinton is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3. She could face up to a year in prison.

[Associated Press]

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