WASHINGTON — A D.C. bus driver accused of driving drunk while on duty last October won't have to serve additional jail time following his sentencing on Friday.
Troy Reynolds pleaded no contest to three misdemeanor charges of DWI, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and operating a commercial vehicle with a suspended license.
Judge Tania Saylor accepted the plea deal between his defense and the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. The judge sentenced him to 365 days for one count, but suspended 165 of them. In addition, he must serve one year probation and undergo substance abuse evaluation. For the second charge, Saylor handed down a sentence of 365 days, but suspended 315 of them. Finally, the judge also suspended all 30 days for the third charge. Reynolds was ordered to pay $500 in restitution.
Per the terms of the plea agreement, time already served applied, meaning Reynolds will stay out of prison since he was already out on bond.
"I deeply want to apologize to the kids and the parents," Reynolds told the judge. "That's something they'll have to deal with the rest of their lives. I was irresponsible and selfish. I also want to apologize to my son and family for the embarrassment."
Reynolds was driving 44 kindergarteners back to Ben Murch Elementary School in D.C after a field trip to Cox Farms in Virginia when the bus ran off the road and into a ditch. He was driving with a 0.2 blood alcohol content.
The defense had Reynolds take the stand to discuss the residential treatment program he joined in West Virginia following his bond release. He described the therapy and routine alcohol screening to assure he stays sober.
Reynolds was initially indicted on 12 charges, but the nine felonies were dropped soon after defense attorney Amy Jordan demanded the judge throw out his case.
She argued that Reynolds was not getting a speeding trial due to missed deadlines from prosecutors.
"While some discovery was provided by Feb. 4, 2023, not all discovery was provided in a timely manner," the motion read. "The Commonwealth's disregard for the court's order and failure to comply with their obligation is sufficient to warrant a dismissal of these charges."
The prosecutor, who was the third attorney assigned to the case, said she has followed up with each victim and others involved. She said many are in support of the sentencing agreement.
Reynolds still has his Maryland driver's license, but as part of the deal, the loss of his license would not be effective until sentencing.
"Today’s resolution guarantees accountability and prevents future harm; Mr. Reynolds is receiving treatment out of state and won’t be able to operate a commercial vehicle in the future," Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano said. "With this case resolved, I hope parents and children across Fairfax can trust in our system and feel safe as the school year begins."