Judge accepts plea deal for school bus driver in fatal Rockland accident
ROCKLAND -The former RSU 13 bus driver that struck and killed 12-year-old Brayden Callahan in November 2025 has admitted to the civil violation of committing a traffic offense that resulted in a death.
Jeffrey Colburn, 65, of Camden, appeared in Knox County Court Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 11, at a hearing before Justice William Stokes who accepted the plea deal agreement between the state and defense.
According to the agreement ruling, Colburn will never be able to drive a commercial vehicle again and his motor vehicle license is suspended for four years. Additionally, he was ordered by the court to perform 180 hours of community service with 15 hours to be performed each month, beginning on Sept. 15. He must provide monthly proof of his completed service to the district attorney’s office.
District Attorney Natasha Irving had issued a statement Aug. 7 on the state’s decision to dismiss the manslaughter charge against Colburn and instead charge him with a civil violation.
Colburn is represented by Attorneys Jeremy Pratt of Camden and Caitlyn Smith of Bangor who were appointed by the court earlier this year to represent the former bus driver.
Attorney Stephen C. Smith, of Augusta and Portland, is representing the parents of Brayden Callahan. The parents Kelley Morse and Shane Callahan, have filed a notice of intent to sue both RSU 13 and Colburn.
Related stories:
www.penbaypilot.com/article/bus-driver-update/273112
www.penbaypilot.com/article/rockland-police-continues-investigation-school-bus-fatality/264904
www.penbaypilot.com/article/brayden/264866
Reach Sarah Shepherd@news@penbaypilot.com
