T. BernaI, a 33-year-old Texas woman, was booked into county jail on various charges, including injury to a child resulting in serious bodily injury, after reportedly giving alcoholic beverages to fifth-grade kids during a Christmas party at a local elementary school last year.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the 33-year-old woman bought the gelatin shots from a local vendor she discovered on social media, thinking they were non-alcoholic. The pastries were served alongside other party munchies at the holiday event. More than a dozen pupils drank the gelatin shots before school officials discovered they contained alcohol. Many students reported stomach problems and headaches, while at least two had more serious symptoms such as vomiting and fainting.
The school personnel got concerned after tasting the gelatin and detecting a peculiar flavor. Two teachers sampled the gelatin and informed the fifth-grade teacher, who tasted it and confirmed the presence of alcohol. The teacher then disposed of the remaining gelatin cups to avoid future consumption. Students who had received geIatin shots were directed to the school nurse for examination. Lab tests on certain gelatin cups from the party revealed the presence of alcohol.
During her discussions with detectives, the 33-year-old woman revealed that she was unaware of the alcohol content in the gelatin shots or their manufacturing process. However, according to the arrest complaint, she inquired about the alcohol content only after the shots had been drunk, and the social media ad from which she ordered plainly stated that they included alcohol.
Last Thursday, the county jail took the 33-year-old woman into custody with a bail of $75,000. She posted bail and was released the same day. The school district has prohibited her from using school grounds, and they are currently investigating the case.
This incident has prompted concerns about children’s safety at school activities, as well as the duties of parents and suppliers to ensure that goodies brought to school are safe and appropriate for pupils. ​
