The school bus driver arrested for drugs on May 3, stationed at Southern High School, remains an employee with the Department of Public Works.
As the Pacific News Center previously reported, Darryl James Spearman, 48, a bus driver stationed with Southern High School, was arrested on May 3 after driving a school bus full of children under the influence of drugs.
According to a magistrate’s complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam, Spearman appeared to be sweating profusely, had red watery eyes, slurred speech and could not stand upright without assistance.
He allegedly failed to pass a Standardized Field Sobriety Test.
Court documents state Spearman had in his possession a container with a glass pipe and two baggies with a substance that later tested positive for meth.
He was charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance, possession of a schedule II controlled substance within a drug free school zone and driving while impaired.
Spearman has been an employee with DPW since 2016.
According to Linda Ibanez, the deputy director of DPW, he is still employed with DPW, as of May 8, as his case will be handled in accordance with the Department of Administration’s Personnel Rules and Regulations.
While the incident could have been fatal, she said that DPW will continue to enforce safe driving practices and drug-free workplace policies, procedures and training.
“We believe this to be an isolated incident, and will remain vigilant in the enforcement and monitoring of a safe and drug-free working environment and practices,” said Ibanez.
Meanwhile, she told PNC that DPW conducts drug tests for all employees in accordance with the Department of Administration’s Personnel Rules and Regulations. The most recent random drug testing conducted was in November 2022.
This comes as DPW continues to experience a labor shortage.
“DPW has and continues to recruit candidates for school bus drivers in order to meet our staffing requirements,” she said. “However, this shortfall has not and will not affect our delivery of service with regards to busing operations.”
Moreover, the Office of the Attorney General of Guam will prosecute the case. Attorney General Douglas Moylan shared with PNC that his office is conducting an investigation on the matter.
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