Saudi National Pleads Guilty to Interstate Transportation of Stolen School Bus

Bader Alzahrani Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison for Stealing and Transporting School Bus Across State Lines

NEWARK, N.J. – Bader Alzahrani, a 24-year-old Saudi Arabian national, has admitted to transporting a stolen school bus across state lines, according to an announcement made today by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Alzahrani entered his guilty plea on August 14, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court.

Court documents reveal that on January 15, 2023, a break-in was reported at an unoccupied residence in Livingston, New Jersey. During a search of the premises, law enforcement officers discovered a backpack containing a Saudi Arabian passport and other personal items belonging to Alzahrani. Two days later, on January 17, 2023, the Livingston Board of Education reported the theft of a school bus from a parking lot located across the street from the home where the break-in had occurred.

The investigation led authorities to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where Alzahrani was apprehended. Upon his arrest, law enforcement found the keys to the stolen school bus in his possession.

Alzahrani pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2024.