In a shocking turn of events, two young boys in Florida could face serious consequences after their moms chose to turn them in for damage exceeding $50,000 at their school library.
On September 13, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office revealed that two boys, aged 12 and 13, broke into Friendship Elementary School in Deltona. According to deputies, the boys first managed to sneak onto the campus during the day and then returned during the night.
Once they got inside, chaos ensued. The duo reportedly wreaked havoc in the library—tossing books all over the place, flipping over furniture, and even vandalizing doors with graffiti. To make matters worse, they returned to admire their destruction, triggering the fire alarm in their wake. Deputies arrived to find the media center completely turned upside down.
“Deputies responded to a fire alarm at Friendship Elementary. Upon arrival, they discovered a shattered glass door and a vandalized media center,” shared the police on social media, complete with body cam footage from one of the officers responding to the scene.
Images of the Devastation
Footage made public by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office vividly showcased the aftermath, revealing piles of books strewn across the floors and serious damage to school property.
Additionally, surveillance video showed two suspects entering the library, with one boy sporting a Monster Energy hat—both could be seen trying to hide their faces.
Moms Take Action
After the images circulated online, numerous tips came in, but it was the boys’ own mothers who recognized their children and made the tough call to alert law enforcement.
“Their moms turned them in,” the Volusia Sheriff’s Office reported in a Facebook post on September 15, including mugshots of Felix Cohen Romero, 12, and Bentley Ryan Wehrly, 13.
“We received many emails identifying them. Thanks to everyone! The boys admitted to their actions, which caused over $50,000 in damages,” they added.
Facing the Music
Now, both boys are facing a range of charges including two counts each of burglary, trespassing on school grounds, criminal mischief, and theft.
While it’s unclear how the juvenile justice system will handle the case, the severe damage done means they might be in for significant legal consequences.
Support for the Moms
This unsettling incident has sparked a considerable discussion online, especially regarding the mothers’ role in this situation. Many have commended these women for holding their children accountable.
“Great job, moms! It must have been hard, but it was the right choice. Teaching kids about consequences is part of parenting,” commented one Facebook user.
Another wrote, “Kudos to the moms for knowing their child needed to face the real world and its consequences! I’m sure this wasn’t an easy decision.”
Suggestions for Restitution
Some commenters went a step further, advocating that the boys should be responsible for cleaning up the school’s damage as part of their punishment.
“They should do cleanup duty at the library, handling everything from putting books back on shelves to scrubbing down the space,” suggested a user.
The vandalism incident has not only led to criminal charges but also to public scrutiny, reminding us that accountability often begins at home.
How would you handle a situation like this if it involved your child? We’d love to hear your thoughts and encourage you to share this story to keep the dialogue going!
