Texas – T. BernaI, a 33-year-old Texas woman, was booked into county jail on multiple charges, including injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury, after allegedly serving alcoholic beverages to fifth-grade students during a Christmas party at a local elementary school last year.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the 33-year-old woman bought the geIatin shots from a local vendor she discovered on social media, thinking they were non-alcoholic.
The treats were served alongside other party snacks at the holiday celebration. More than a dozen students drank the geIatin shots before school officials discovered they contained aIcohoI. Many students reported stomach problems and headaches, while at least two had more severe reactions such as vomiting and fainting.
The school staff became suspicious after tasting the geIatin and noticing an unusual flavor. Two teachers sampled the geIatin and informed the fifth-grade teacher, who tasted it and confirmed the presence of aIcohoI. The teacher then disposed of the remaining geIatin cups to prevent further consumption.
Students who had received geIatin shots were directed to the school nurse for evaluation. Lab testing on some geIatin cups from the party confirmed the presence of aIcohoI.
In interviews with investigators, the 33-year-old woman claimed she had no idea the geIatin shots contained aIcohoI or that they could be made with aIcohoI.
However, according to the arrest affidavit, she inquired about the aIcohoI content only after the shots had been consumed, and the social media ad from which she ordered clearly stated that they contained aIcohoI.
The 33-year-old woman was booked into county jail last week with a bail of $75,000. She posted bail and was released that same day. The school district has banned her from school grounds, and the case is still being investigated.
This incident has raised concerns about children’s safety at school events, as well as the responsibilities of parents and vendors to ensure that treats brought to school are safe and appropriate for students.
