First of all, what were these kids thinking? Second of all, what were they doing with a lighter when smoking is not allowed on school grounds by students in the first place? They now can face expulsion from this and any other school. And if they started a fire on a "confined bus with students", do you think they could have used the lighter to do the same once they reached the school? They face arson and perhaps endangerment charges, depending upon how severe law enforcement wants to make it for these kids. Any way you look at it, I doubt now they could ever get in to any College. And probably would not pass a security clearance check. And yes, the government has the authority to see what you did when you were a kid.
Posted on February 10, 2011
LEONARDTOWN, Md. (February 10, 2011) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged two fifteen year-old male juveniles in connection with burning combustible materials on an occupied school bus.
At approximately 2:40 p.m. on Thursday during transport from Fairlead Academy to Leonardtown High School, the driver of the bus smelled an odor of smoke and brought the bus to a stop in the 21400 block of Point Lookout Road in Callaway. Upon inspection, he found students stomping out the burned remains of papers on the floor of the bus. The driver made immediate notification to authorities and continued transport to the high school.
A joint investigation by both the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s School Resource Officer determined the two students ignited schoolwork papers with a cigarette lighter. Both juveniles have been charged with Malicious Burning of Personal Property and were released to the custody of their parents pending review before the Department of Juvenile Services.
If found guilty of the charges, they each face a penalty of eighteen months imprisonment and/or $500 in fines.
Posted on February 10, 2011
LEONARDTOWN, Md. (February 10, 2011) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have charged two fifteen year-old male juveniles in connection with burning combustible materials on an occupied school bus.
At approximately 2:40 p.m. on Thursday during transport from Fairlead Academy to Leonardtown High School, the driver of the bus smelled an odor of smoke and brought the bus to a stop in the 21400 block of Point Lookout Road in Callaway. Upon inspection, he found students stomping out the burned remains of papers on the floor of the bus. The driver made immediate notification to authorities and continued transport to the high school.
A joint investigation by both the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s School Resource Officer determined the two students ignited schoolwork papers with a cigarette lighter. Both juveniles have been charged with Malicious Burning of Personal Property and were released to the custody of their parents pending review before the Department of Juvenile Services.
If found guilty of the charges, they each face a penalty of eighteen months imprisonment and/or $500 in fines.