WINSTON-SALEM — Authorities have charged a Forsyth County minister with passing a stopped school bus, leading to the death of a sixth-grader who was crossing the road to get to the bus.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports that 46-year-old Billy Roger Bailey of Kernersville was charged Thursday. Bailey's attorney said his client plans to plead not guilty.

Bailey is a Walkertown minister, and also works at a billboard printing company in Winston-Salem.

The N.C. Highway Patrol said 11-year-old Hasani Wesley missed his bus for East Forsyth Middle School on Dec. 19. The bus turned around and was heading in the opposite direction. Hasani was crossing the road to reach it when he was hit.

The bus driver said her lights were flashing and the arm was out to warn motorists to stop.