Nebraska School Bus Driver Pleads No Contest After Driving Dozens of Children While Nearly Three Times Legal Limit, Authorities Say
LANCASTER COUNTY, NEBRASKA — A longtime school bus driver accused of transporting dozens of children while “extremely” intoxicated has accepted a plea deal, closing a case that officials say could have ended in tragedy.
According to local reporting, Betty Johnson, 68, pleaded no contest to DUI with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 or higher, child abuse, and first-offense reckless driving, all misdemeanor charges. As part of the agreement, prosecutors dropped two counts of transporting a child while intoxicated.
Authorities Say Driver Had Nearly Triple the Legal Limit
Johnson was employed as a bus driver for the Norris School District. On May 7, 2025, she completed her morning bus route, transporting approximately 40 students, according to authorities.
She then returned later that day to operate a midday route, which included preschool-aged children. Johnson was also scheduled to drive an after-school route.
However, around 3:30 p.m., school staff contacted the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office after growing concerned about Johnson’s condition.
A school resource officer responded and made contact with Johnson.
Deputy Says Driver Was “Noticeably Extremely Highly Intoxicated”
At a press conference the following day, a sheriff’s office spokesperson said Johnson showed obvious signs of severe intoxication when deputies encountered her.
She was administered a breath test, which she failed. Authorities reported Johnson had a 0.22 blood alcohol content, nearly three times Nebraska’s legal limit of 0.08.
Johnson was arrested at the scene and transported to the local jail.
Driver Admitted Drinking Before and After Routes
According to investigators, Johnson admitted to drinking alcohol before operating her noon bus route, which included preschoolers.
She also acknowledged consuming alcohol after completing that route, according to reporting by the Lincoln Journal Star. Authorities have not confirmed whether she drank prior to the morning route that carried 40 students.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson emphasized the rarity of such a case.
“I’ve been doing this job for 32 years now,” the official said. “I have never heard of a school bus driver being intoxicated, let alone this high.”
Officials Say Arrest Prevented Further Risk
Johnson was stopped before she could begin her scheduled after-school route.
Chief Deputy Ben Houchin described the intervention as critical.
“We are very lucky that she got caught and was not allowed to do that after-school one,” Houchin said.
Authorities confirmed that no children were injured, but stressed that the danger posed by the situation was severe.
School District Fires Driver Immediately
Following her arrest, the Norris School District terminated Johnson’s employment.
District officials said she “will not drive for our school district ever again” and reaffirmed their commitment to student safety.
“We want to emphasize that student safety is our number one priority,” the district said in a statement. “We thank the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for their continued partnership with us to keep our students safe.”
Case Raises Broader Safety Concerns
While the charges in this case were resolved through a plea agreement, law enforcement officials said the incident underscores the importance of vigilance by school staff and rapid reporting of concerns.
Authorities have not released details on Johnson’s sentencing terms, which are expected to be finalized by the court.
As Nebraska schools continue reviewing transportation safety protocols, officials say the case serves as a reminder of how quickly routine school days can turn dangerous. For continued coverage of public safety cases, court developments, and education-related news across the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.