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A church deacon in Georgia was arrested after he allegedly kicked four kids off the bus he was driving and left them on the side of the road because they were misbehaving.
Erin Menefee has been charged with four counts of reckless conduct in connection to the incident that took place on Sunday, October 11.
Authorities learned of the incident when they responded to the Oakridge Baptist Church on Sunday after a woman claimed that her three kids — who are 12, 11 and 9 years old — and their 10-year-old friend had been kicked off the church bus while on their way home, according to the Albany police incident report obtained by WALB.
The mother claimed to authorities that the kids were left behind at the busy intersection of Westover Boulevard and Gillionville Road, which is about 4 miles away from their home. When the kids did not return home, she set out on a search and was unable to find them. However, she was able to track down the bus.
She then spoke to Menefee, 42, who said he dropped the kids off down the road. The mother was still not able to find them, so she drove to the church to speak with the pastor.
While at the church, a relative called the mother saying Menefee told her he kicked the kids off the bus because they were cursing and hitting each other. Menefee allegedly added that he “don’t play that” way, according to police.
The kids were eventually located by a passerby who drove them home.
Officers later spoke to Menefee, and he reportedly admitted to leaving the kids at the intersection. He explained that there were 20 children on the bus. After he claimed that the kids who were kicked off were being disruptive, he said he decided to remove them from the bus for the safety of the other children, according to the complaint.
Menefee went on to claim that he called the children’s relative to come pick up the kids.He admitted he should have waited until the relative arrived before he drove away from the four children.
The deacon was then arrested and was taken to the Dougherty County Jail. He has since been released after he posted bond.
It is not currently clear whether Menefee has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The Albany Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case.
