A South Carolina school bus driver has been charged with DUI and child endangerment after being found with a plethora of prescription medication while transporting children from a school field trip. WBTV reports that Janice Waldorf, 62, was pulled over by authorities for swerving on Interstate 20 in North Augusta, S.C., last week. During the stop, Waldorf, who was driving Merriweather Elementary second-graders, showed signs of impairment in field tests. Despite initially claiming that she was only tired and not under the influence of any substance, the arrest document obtained by WRDW indicates a urine test confirmed the use of central nervous system depressants.
After having been taken to the North Augusta Department of Public Safety headquarters, Waldorf was further found to be in possession of 17 prescription pill bottles, as per WECT, six of which were expired. Adding to the gravity of the situation, the bottles were discovered at the Aiken County jail, where Waldorf was detained following her arrest.
The WRDW's release of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety report clarified that while Waldorf was not under the influence of alcohol, the impairing substance was indeed a depressant. Additionally, Waldorf had earlier told officers she wasn't taking any medication regularly, contradicting the findings of law enforcement.
Held on the return journey from a field trip, the bus was safely removed from the interstate and Waldorf taken into custody without further incident. Details about Waldorf's court date or legal representation have not been disclosed at this time.
