BEFORE I GET STONED TO DEATH, I STAND CORRECTED, THE BOYS WERE NOT ENROLLED IN SCHOOL. COPIED FROM MY POST BELOW; In addition, I do believe that the boy with special needs is enrolled in school. Where did one get the idea that he is not enrolled in school?

I thought I had my say on this matter already, but I guess not. Overall, yes, I know and agree this was very expensive equipment, and yes, it is from donations, I try to donate as much as possible each year, and so does my extended family that all live out of town, and come here to see the display. That said, these kids should not have a $150,000 bond. They should be punished, but they are NOT hardened criminals, they do NOT deserve to go to prison with hardened criminals, if some insist on serving time, then let it be in Juvenile Detention for a while with lots of hard community service to follow. In addition, a fine to pay for the lights over a period of years, as they are not rich, and part of that fine would be satisfied with some time in Juvenile Detention, but they do NOT deserve the same punishment as hardened habitual criminals. I worked as a nurse in a Maximum Security Prison ER, and the guys in there sure were NOT in there for vandalism, so the time would NOT match the crime if they were to be put in prison vs Juvenile Detention. In addition, I do agree that the equipment could not have been so damaged if the stakes were only pulled out, and I feel there were probably more than these two boys involved, because it did take some strength to do this.

In addition, I do believe that the boy with special needs is enrolled in school. Where did one get the idea that he is not enrolled in school?

In addition, as I have already stated, I feel parents should keep up with their kids better. N45BA stop reading, I am going to talk about my son. I sure do keep a very tight hold on my 17 yr old adopted son, the only time he has any freedom is on his school lunch hour, and I do follow him around sometimes then also. All I can do is, pray every day that he will listen and not get involved in anything illegal, but how do I know when he reaches 18 that all I am teaching him is sinking in and will be taken with him when he leaves home.

Also, the displays aren't just "some lights"......most of the displays are dedicated to people & that's not cheap at all, not to mention the heartache to the families if theirs was destroyed. My family has 2 trees dedicated to our grandparents, they were very expensive, but what "those lights" mean to our family is priceless. The memories of happy Holidays (don't know how to pluralize Christmas), those trees symbolize the love of our grandparents. To know I can still "see" them at Christmas, you can't put a price on that. Shame on any stupid, bored kid who is thoughtless enough to think they are "just lights". Break your own stuff, leave other peoples stuff alone!

Having a child classified "special needs" at a public school is as easy as indicting a ham sandwich. Why is a special needs kid out late at night if he is special needs & why isn't he enrolled in school?

I am amazed at the number of persons who have already convicted these vandals in these posts. I am equally amazed at the extent that Jeff has gone to for an appeal the "convictions". The proper place for a conviction and punishment would be with the courts. An appeal should only be proper following that conviction; not in an opinion section of a newspaper.

It would be rare, in any jurisdiction, for a "first time offender" to get any punishment more than probation, court costs, probation fees, and maybe some community service.

Perhaps some should remember where they began, where they are now and why they no longer hold the position of honor and esteem they once held. This should be enough said...or does it need to be spelled out?

I have read all the comments, pro and con, and as a member of the group that sponsors Christmas in the Park, I just want you all to know that those "some lights" are very expensive and take many, many hours for us to put up, and that every one of them was bought with donated money. I think you would all faint if you knew what all those 'some lights strung up' cost!! You are all entitled to your opinion, but until you have worked for seven weeks to put up the scenes, there is no way some of you can even begin to understand how heartbreaking it was for us (all volunteers) that Sunday morning when we saw the damage. Reactions have come from far and wide expressing disbelief that some one could do that kind of damage. It did not amount to 'only pulling up some stakes'. These scenes are made of angle iron and rebar, and if you could have seen how the paddlewheeler was twisted, they had to use something other than their hands to damage the boat. When the flag came out of the water (with two bucket trucks & nine men lifting it) it was shaped like an S, and to see a US flag so disrespected was awful!!!
One last thing - it did not matter to us if the people who did the damage were unknown in the city; Gobblers; or some rich kid whose Daddy could buy him off - we would have pressed charges no matter who it was!!!

I live in Cuero, and what was said about the football team is correct, so no one is telling a lie. Ok N45BA, I am going to talk about my son again, so stop reading right now. My son came to me at age 13, and he was a total handful as far was school behaviors were concerned for about a year. Well, I went to the higher up's when I found out he was being punished differently than a star football player for the same offense.

N45BA

Thanks for the advice but once again I have kept my mouth shut for to long and if someone wants to state their opinion thats fine by me most people know who I am anyway and I'm sure there are plenty of people in Cuero who understand what I am saying if not thats fine too and I had no intention of saying anything about anyone but enough is enough. If this would have been handled right I would not have said a word and gone along with the punishment but once again if they are going to use my words to punish my stepson further then that just proves what I'm saying I don't need to win anyone over or need their favoritism and I could careless how many mad Gobblers there are its not the first time nor the last someone will be pissed off at me if any Gobbler decides to retaliate against me I hope they get an outrageous $150,000 bond or no wait a minute they will have been justified cause I used my first right amendment and stated my opinion and what I mean by handled right $150,000 bond once again plain absurd maybe he should have kept his mouth shut went to trial and maybe more of a show than it already is I am stating what needs to be said whether it makes a difference I don't care either I just felt like letting the readers know what has happened in the past that I have seen like I said whether it is right or does any good I don't care my whole reason for writing to begin with was to say we were sorry for what happened and that we are embarrassed by it but as the day wore on it ate at me knowing what I have seen in the past and how $150,000 bond is wrong I've spoken to other cops, attorneys, bail bondsman and reporters all day who all agree that the bond seems a little to high so like I said if anyone gets mad at me get in line

I am against setting some ridiculous bond amount or putting the kids in jail for years. They messed up some christmas lights, its not like they stabbed someone in the eye socket or anything. They are just kids who messed up. Make them do community service and work off the debt over time. I can't believe there is this much drama over a bunch of christmas lights.

redneckgirl

just so you know I don't agree with what he did either that is the point and I am fine with REASONABLE punishment and fines my point is UNREASONABLE punishment and making this out to be some type of crime that is unique to this world I will not speak of anything more serious such as murder cause it doesn't compare to this and it is not fair to the victims if my stepson had committed a murder or rape I wouldn't even be on here saying anything he committed a very serious criminal mischief crime and deserves to be punished REASONABLY thats all and people need to see that and they need to see how it isn't right for the law to extend leniency to some and throw the book at others whenever it fits the needs of those involved it needs to be the same across the board everyone deserves to be punished fairly if they do wrong that's all I am saying

jeffjoe31
Report a Violation
Permalink If it would have been two Cuero Gobbler football players who did it we would have never known about any arrest or anything else someone would have put up the hush money to make sure everyone was satisfied so Cuero could go win their state championship is that fair no it isn't and of course no one will admit it but its true and its my opinion from my knowledge how things work in Cuero

jeffjoe31----ALL I CAN SAY TO THIS IS, AMEN!!!

N45BA
I am not going to give it a rest. He is my son, and I will talk about him all I want to, and if you don't like it, then DO NOT read my post!!!!!!

jeffjoe31, as I have already stated, I do feel the bond is excessive, and no, your son should not have to do prison time for this. And, I also stated that I feel a lot of hard community serivce should be all that is given. He is a kid, his life would be ruined if they put him in prison at this age for some dumb stunt. Even though I do not agree with what was done, I will pray for your son.

If it would have been two Cuero Gobbler football players who did it we would have never known about any arrest or anything else someone would have put up the hush money to make sure everyone was satisfied so Cuero could go win their state championship is that fair no it isn't and of course no one will admit it but its true and its my opinion from my knowledge how things work in Cuero and I could careless how people feel or react to that statement with that said my stepson is guilty and deserves to be punished and we will let the courts decide his punishment

N45BA

Well I'm glad you feel that way and I could careless if you think I don't have any class but I'm just making a point that needs to be made and whether or not its "classy" its the truth and it needs to be fair you would want fairness too for yourself or your family that's all we ask is fairness nothing else was it fair to the people of cuero and the visitors that come see the lights no it wasn't I'll be the first to admit it and it wasn't fair to my other kids or all the other kids that come see the lights but two wrongs don't make a right

Just that "Good ol boy" town flexin it's muscle for the locals...

redneckgirl

I am not asking for special treatment he does deserve to be punished severely I agree nothing I have said doesn't say he shouldn't be and if the tables were turned and it was your son I would still think that the bond amount is absurd. I was just listening to the corpus christi news and there was a guy arrested for stabbing someone 27 times and his bond is $75,000 half of the $150,000 that is my point bond is not to be used as a form of punishment I think my stepson should work his butt off and find away to pay the $75,000 in damage he did all I stated was the type of kid he is and I understand you don't use your son's issues as an excuse but I'm not trying to either I am just stating fact if he or we were gonna use this as an excuse we would be taking this to trial and using all this to try and get him off but we are not. We were fully prepared yesterday for him to go to jail and be punished what ticked me off was his bond amount and the politically motivated statement even if his bond was $25,000 we would not be able to get him out so he would be there anyway its just the point of $150,000 bond that is just plain dumb if they will do that to his bond are they gonna lock him up for 20 years with no chance of parole when murders and rapist get off with less thats the point

twinkletoes

My post was to you. I copied and pasted the wrong name, sorry.

I do totally agree the bond is excessively high, even if the damage was $150,000. In addition, I do feel the boys should NOT go to prison. I feel they should have to do a LOT of community service, like nasty work, and do community service to help pay for the damages. However, I want to say that there are some parents who do allow their kids to run wild, I am not saying that is what you do as parents, just that this is the norm for many parents.

I also want to ask you a question jeffjoe31, I have an adopted son, he can be described as you described your son, maybe a few more issues involved, I copied this from your post: What he did was wrong and he should be punished for it however he is a 17 year old who has special needs as classified by the Cuero ISD and he also was abandoned basically by his real father. He is not a thug, gang member, drug dealing violent teenager. We as his parents are not drunks nor dope dealers we are hard working middle class parents.

My son is also African American, his father abandoned him at birth, in fact he has no father listed on his birth certificate, his crack head mother lost him to CPS, then she signed papers to totally give him to the state, he was in 29 other places before he came to me at age 13, he was taken out of his home at age 7. My point is, I do NOT make excuses for him because he has had all this happen to him, and I do NOT allow him to use this as a crutch. MY QUESTION IS: if when you were a policemen and IF my son had done the same, being he is African American and is special ed and has NO father and his mother gave him away after she tortured him; WOULD YOU GIVE HIM THE SAME TREATMENT YOU WANT FOR YOUR SON?

This said, I want to add that my son did think he could do things that are not right, but after I adopted him, my home is wired like a Fort Knox and I spend all the time in school I need to keep him in line. Sure, he hates this, but I really do not care.

I also want to say, I do feel for you jeffjoe31 as a parent, and I hope things go good, as these boys do not deserve to go to prison, they need some severe punishment, but not prison.

jeffjoe31

You expose the soft under belly of why so many people are cynical of how law enforcement is carried out in this country. I constantly harp on the injustice that is carried out in the name of the law. This case is going to get special attention because of the publicity involved. I don't know if that is fair but it's the way things work.

twinkletoes

if I had $75,000 laying around I wouldn't be working 12 hours a day I am not making excuses for the kid I'm stating fact and saying he is not a perfect kid he is just that a kid I expect punishment for him but if he is going to be punished to the full extent of the law then everyone should be no matter what period. You shouldn't get special treatment like the ex cuero football coach I arrested for DWI who was released and the charges dismissed immediately the next morning before i could finish my report. I was told he was a good upstanding citizen that made a mistake but i assure you if you got arrested for DWI you would not get the same treatment or a certain attorney in Dewitt county who's sister was arrested for family violence and was released within 30 minutes and no charges filed tell me why is that right why is that fair, why was it fair for another attorney who's son destroyed numerous mailboxes however all he had to do was use his father's money to buy new ones and replace the one's he destroyed once again with no charges filed because it was in the best interest of Dewitt county. My stepson did wrong he made a bad choice no matter what he doesn't deserve special treatment but he doesn't deserve to be treated unfairly either he plans to plead guilty to avoid any other charges to the city and county but that means he should get the same punishment as if it was done to something else (other than the displays) of the same value. Is locking him up for twenty years in prison gonna fix anything no should he be put on probation for 10,15,20 years yeah maybe his life is already ruined he is going to be a convicted felon thats punishment enough. Just remember one day this might happen to you or someone in your family and you just might be here pointing out facts. If we are to follow the law it should be followed no matter what or who it is or how much money they have if had the money to pay for the cost to replace the items I would just so you know. Do you watch your kids 24/7 probably not and believe me I've have found plenty of daddy's sweet little innocent girls and boys on back roads doing things that they would NEVER do cause they are my kids until mommy and daddy get the phone call so once again look in the mirror before you speak and don't question how I try and provide and raise my kids

Thank you exres, we will see where this one goes! and imo, I belive the amount is over inflated. But never the less, that doesn't make what happend right by any means.

I'm just saying, off the subject just a bit, isn't 150,000 dollars for lighting a little excessive? If the cost was that steep to put up lights then shouldn't it have been guarded? Would you leave your cashed paycheck in an envelope out on a picnic table in the park with no security at all and hope it will be there tomorrow? We do not live in a leave it to beaver world any more and I think there should have been more done to prevent such easy exposure to this feature! I'm just trying to look at this logically, not throwing out the fact that the damage was very wrong but doesn't it seem odd that such a huge amount of value went unprotected?

JeffJoe31
"however he is a 17 year old who has special needs as classified by the Cuero ISD and he also was abandoned basically by his real father."

Did anybody else pick up on the fact that, as usual, this enabling parent just made an excuse for his childs bad behavior? I get sick of it. Everyone has an excuse... well this time this "kid" is going to have to "Man-up" and face the punishment. I understand that our justice system is not always fair, so parents beware! Keep track of your teenagers. If JeffJoe wants to pony up his part of the $150,000 then go ahead... but I bet he doesn't. He just wants Jr. to get a slap on the wrist, a small fine. maybe some probation and let it go at that. I say, no way... since you cannot keep tabs on him, then let Dewitt County keep tabs on him. That goes for the other idiot involved in this matter. At 17 they should be tried as adults and be prepared for their punishment.

Ex-resident:

I live in Corpus and have family in Victoria, that is why I even checked this story out in the first place! Have fun and thanks for giving me a good laugh today! And PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! I'd hate to be on here blogging about some crazy having a few too many drinks and had an accident!! =) We wouldn't want the tables turned now would we?

P.S. I go to Christ the King Catholic Church...Is that located in Cuero? No, I didn't think so! Have a good one! And sorry you got your feeling hurt!

Exresident - I think I will have to say for once I agree with you. If this was my kid...and yes, I do have kids so I can in a way put myself in this man’s position. I would have to say the crime that was committed here affected many, many people. Not only people in Cuero. People have come from all over in the last 10yrs to view this wondrous display. These kids committed a crime that resulted in $150,000 worth of damage. So $150,000 bond sounds about right to me.

You can't compare one crime against another. Each crime has its own issues and differences. And I have seen how kids have changes in the last 15 years. They have a lot more boldness and disconcern for themselves and others. And I think most of that all comes from the home they are raised in. We have to stop slapping kids on their wrists and saying no, no and just letting them go. Unfortunately, I think your stepson is going to have to be the example to this situation. Hopefully others will think twice from now on.

I do agree with others. It took a lot for JeffJoe to come on here and tell his side of it. I commend you. And I will pray that your family is able to become closer from this unfortunate issue.

And I am also sorry for all the fellow citizens of Cuero that have been effected by this, as I grew up there and I know now how it feels to have your small town rocked by such an unnecessary act of immaturity and meanness. Hang in there guys. WE WILL get the lights going again.

Sorry whattheheck....I DEFIENTLEY was NOT commenting to your post! I was just answering a remark made by another blogger! Sorry for the confusion or that you thought I was talking about you! I like what you had to say and agree with it!

CLASSYLADY, I OWE YOU AN APPOLOGY, I THOUGHT YOU WERE BARKING AT ME BECAUSE I WAS THAT LAST POSTER. IM SORRY :)

Amen to Whatheheck!!!

I agree so that is why I'm getting off of this post! I pray for everyone involved and everyone that this has affected! Just know that in due time all will be well again and this will be a thing of the past!

Excuse me classylady, but I did not call your name in my post so butt out. and If you did read, you would have noticed from prior blogs on here that I was for the most part looking at this situation thru your eyes. Take the time to read down all the way please. Now who is picking on who??? oh and GOD BLESS

Neither child is mine! Which one is yours? What gave you a reason to get on here and post your thoughts? Hmmm.....Freedom of Speech I think it is?! Well buddy, that is exactly what I am doing! Exercising my Consitituional right to voice my opinion! Maybe it would have been a better one in your mind had it been more along the lines of your thinking! It's so sad that some people are so narrow minded that they choose to only look at things one way! Looks to me like you are no better than these children.....trying to have confrontation over the internet!! Please try and find a better hobby! How this got turned around and made about me I may never know, but I tell you it sure is funny!

To the REAL story in case:
We may never know if these kids would have ever turned themselves in, but I'm glad that they were caught and that they will have plenty of time to think of what they did. Afterall, sometimes the best punishment is the one our soul must face within ourselves.

Really over talking to you because you have nothing nice or educated to say!

This is getting way out of hand (blogs). This is not our child(ren). Jeffjoe I'm sorry but you are never going to be able to say anything that will end the controversy here. I feel you said what you had to say, I understood you but there are many that will continue to pick so you will never get it right in their eyes you could blog all day long if you want, they just wont get it. To the bloggers, these are not your kids, you do not know how you will handle a situation until you have to and know the facts involved. There is always something unsaid or left out that makes all the difference and until its you, then its just your OPINION!!!!!!! Let it rest already bloggers!

another thing:

Just because the kid did something stupid doesn't automatically mean the parent has not raised them properly or is a dope smoking alcoholic. It just goes to show that some kids are perceptive and know right from wrong but do whatever they want to regardless.

classylady,

IF their conscience truly got the best of them, why didn't they turn themselves in instead of allowing tax dollars to be wasted on an investigation??? I agree that it is more along the lines that the boy is sorry that he got caught, not sorry for what he did. JMO...

FYI

I DIDN'T MEAN THAT GOD MADE THESE CHILDREN DO IT!! I WAS REFERRING TO THE FACT THAT GOD MADE SURE THAT THEY WERE CAUGHT AND THAT THEIR CONSCIOUS GOT THE BEST OF THEM!!! SURLEY I AM NOT THAT STUPID AS TO SAY THAT GOD MADE THEM DO IT!!!

Ex-resident

I'm so sorry that you feel that important and I do have something at stake here.....my opinion being heard just as yours has. You said something I did not agree with and I commented on it, I'm sorry that you feel the need to highlight everything a person says and feed off of it! Bottom line is this is not about me or you, so please let's just leave it at that! By the way, when you write to "classylady," you will get a reply to your comment when it is directed towards me! No hard feelings and may God bless you!

Classylady..."Maybe God saw that these children were headed down the wrong path and intervened and did something about it before something worse happened."

Uh huh. Always before, I'd heard that "The Devil Made Me Do It." Now, God made'em do it. Personally, I don't believe either made'em do it.

The point everyone that I am trying to make is that I was told by a person close to the case that the bond and case is politically motivated and thats not right. my stepson and his friend did not sit at the house and plan this out they were walking through the park and yanked the stakes out of the ground causing the displays to fall. They did not know how much damage or attention this would get and NO that doesn't make it right but its not a Hate crime cause they hate Christmas or the USA. They are guilty and they will be punished but politics should be left out I am not trying to say what he did was right it was wrong and it hurt people but take it in to perspective thats what i'm saying

Exresident,

Would it have been better if they did a drive by on your house? You know exactly what I meant but your ignorance won't let you see!! I meant Christmas lights can be replaced, but a person's live can not!! NO, SILLY ME FOR THINKING YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND!

I feel your pain jeffjoe31
Only if they had busted lights out or something smaller. The amount of damage dictates a felony offense, I believe , and they will use past cases to determine the correct punishment.. (I hope).
True, others get off for actual murder with less than 5 yrs served. A sad job by our Justice system.
Time will tell the outcome of your stepsons future..Good luck.

Exresident

Who are you to decide how busy these parents are and how they run their households? Last time I checked it wasn't a crime to let your 17 year old out of the house! These parents probably do what they need to to support their family and not live off of welfare (for if that was the case, then you'd insinuate that these parents were lazy and living off govenment!!). So you mean to tell me that anytime a 17 year, who by the way is considered an adult in the State of Texas, does something wrong, it automatically reflects how the parents raised them? God gives everyone this thing we call "free will" and these boys made a bad desicion when they chose to do this! Parents can only do so much for their children and eventually the day will come when you have to let them "fly on their own"......that is the only way kids will learn! Maybe God saw that these children were headed down the wrong path and intervened and did something about it before something worse happened. If the tables were turned, I would only hope and pray that you would fight for your child just the same no matter what age! JeffJoe is not saying that what his child did was not wrong, he is simply saying that the bond set for him and the punishment is Unconstitutional!! But in this town, I've already learned that money talks and bullsh*t walks! And until it happens to them, they will NEVER understand!

exresident

it is also something his three younger sisters are going to have to deal with at school, I am not trying to deflect my problems and blame someone else cause I'm to busy to run my household I'm to busy trying to work 12 hours a day trying to support these kids maybe if I was out dealing dope then you would seem to understand what I was trying to say. and if I was trying to avoid criticism towards myself I wouldn't have been on here posting

jeffjoe
as a parent i understand how you feel a responsibility to speak for your family. Your apology was very heartfelt and is appreciated.I feel the bond was unfair and its all for showboating.You do not need to explain your parenting to online users who seem self righteous. The bottom line to that is ignorance.I, myself am a middle class hard working, strict parent, but teenagers can be sneaky.We have all seen it in one way or another.So, no need to stoop to there level.My prayers are with your family.

It is "not as bad!!" I can't believe someone would come on here and try and justify that drugs, murder, rape and robbery are the same (or should be treated the same) as two teenagers who destructed some property!! Was is wrong? YES!! Should they be punished? ABSOULTELY!! Should two children who have never been in trouble with the law before be treated as if they killed someone? ABSOULTLEY NOT!! What I find "shameful" is someone who lies and can not admit to their wrong doing! What I find admirable is someone who can admit that they are wrong and accept their punishment! NO ONE IN THIS WORLD IS PERFECT!! EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES AND THAT IS HOW WE LEARN!! Leave the judgment to God and not take it into your own hands to decide the fate of these boys!! In case we all have forgotten, God does not seek revenge or remain unforgiving!! He has already forgiven these boys and so should everyone else! Christmas is not about how spectacular or amazing the lights around town are.....it's about the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Try and remember what the true meaning of Christmas is and think to yourselves WWJD? When one door closes another one always opens, even if it is hell in the hallways!! Remember that next year when Christmas in the Park is even more beautiful and amazing then it was in the prior years!! Then God will have shown to all of you that material things can always be replaced!

Ask for JeffJoe31....conitinue to love and pray for your son! And remember, people will ALWAYS have something to say whether it is good or bad, just remember that the only voice that should count comes from the Lord above! For only he knows the truth in the matter and not what he "hears around town."

ssmike

I do agree with you there by no means am I saying he doesn't deserved to be punished. He most certainly does deserve it what I am saying is that he needs to be treated the right way and not make this more than what it is $150,000 bond is making more than what it is there are people in victoria out on a $100,000 bond for attempted murder

Jeffjoe, you did something I did not expect to see in the blogs and that is to admit that your own has done wrong. That was a huge and RESPONSIBLE thing to do. I'm not sure I would have done the same out of shame but I give you credit. The bond is rediculious and 20 year jail sentence is off the charts stupid. I wish you well and hope your family can heal from this as I'm sure this is something you would have never expected. Any parent with kids/teens need to be well aware that disaster strikes when kids have nothing to do and this does show in my opinion that there is simply not enough things here for our kids to involve themselves actively in. I feel very strongly that your stepson needs to have a punishment but one that fits his crime! Fines, repayment and maybe community service in and elves suit, He should pay as well as his accomplice. Kids learn the hard way, they think parents know nothing and they know it all until it all falls upon them.

17 year olds know the difference between right and wrong. 150K is alot to hold them on I agree but they need to set an example as far as I'm concerned. Destroying others property is right up there with stealing in my book. I think a month in lock up, community service, heavy fine, and having them stand at the entrance of the park for all to see is in order. No excuses. If your kids cant stay out of trouble then keep them at the house.

exresident

As we can all tell you are not getting my point and if you are getting it you are the time of person who has only one point of view and thats fine its your right no he is not a drug dealer and yes we as a family are sorry and we were all robbed of displays that I too was proud of. The flag means a lot to me also most of my family was in the armed forces and I did actually risk my life for several years for the citizens of Cuero and Dewitt County as a cop and there is nothing that I wouldnt do to take all of this back. Most of the persons involved with the lights in the park are my former supervisors with the police dept and sheriff's office so I have a great sense of regret and embarrassment for them knowing how much those displays meant to them. As for the drug dealing aspect of my posting it does seem that I have hit a nerve with you I dont know if you have someone in your family that is dealing dope or is addicted but if so I am sorry and I will leave it alone Thank you

Okay I have to say $ 150,000 dollar bond is the craziest crap Ive ever heard. I understand vanadlism is bad but come on.. I say make them work and help fix it and maybe pick up trash. But jail time 20 years.A man raped a 14 year old girl and he got 15 years. THAT is plum STUPID!!!!!!!!!

Jeffjoe31 - Thank you for a stand up letter of apology. That took some thought and you said it as best it could be said. I have a teenage son, who has never been in trouble, but it drives home the point that immaturity and lack of judgment can happen, even to "good" kids.

I also am inclined to agree with you on the amount of bond set in this case. It was excessive. I attribute that to a few days of sensationalist reporting and speculation on the forums and some of the "off with their heads" type commentary that has permeated each day's new update on the story, an in particular, the Advocate's quick, almost tripping over themselves race to get it associated with "hate crimes", as though someone had painted swastikas on a synagogue or hung a burning cross in the yard of a black family.
I wish you well. I hope your boy has made his only mistake like that he ever will in his life. He does deserve to be punished, and to be stuck with whatever record he is stuck with after lawyers have a field day bleeding both you and the city dry. In addition, there is the issue of the cost of replacing what was destroyed, and that should be your step son's and the other boy's responsibility.

exresident

It is everyone's business when dope dealers are out killing innocent people, robbing people to support there habit and raping little kids cause there to high to know what there doing. Like I said he was wrong the point I was making is that the crime should be punished as it would be for a similar offense and circumstances. There are others who deserve to be locked up for more serious crimes. This is wrong and I am mad I wanted to whip his butt yesterday but I would have ended up locked up too

I am the step father of one the teens arrested, first of all I would like to say on behalf of my family that we are sorry for what my stepson has done. I have other small children who really enjoy going and viewing the lights in the park. What he did was wrong and he should be punished for it however he is a 17 year old who has special needs as classified by the Cuero ISD and he also was abandoned basically by his real father. He is not a thug, gang member, drug dealing violent teenager. We as his parents are not drunks nor dope dealers we are hard working middle class parents who try and support our kids and make sure they have want they need. What he did he admitted to and he was just being a dumb teenager. All of us have done stupid stuff whether as teenagers or adults myself included. I am also a former police officer who as most of y'all will say didn't do a good job as a father. Well there are plenty of doctors and lawyers kids who have done just as bad but got away with it cause of money believe me I've seen it firsthand. I understand the importance of the display in Cuero and I am torn between the law and family however he needs to be punished just the same as if those lights were in someone's front yard. As a police officer there were persons that I had assault me and their bond was $25,000 I've arrested rapist who had their bond at $50,000 but these two teenagers who have no financial resources to flee have a $150,000 bond on them that is absurd. The boys both gave statements implicating themselves they both know they did wrong and they both are sorry and will work their butts off to try and make amends for their stupidity. I even told him that if he has to stand at the park every Christmas for the next ten years saying he was responsible so be it. This kid does not deserve to go to prison for 20 years because of this nor does he deserve a $150,000 bond. There are the same drug dealers on the streets of Cuero that were there when I started work there 16 years ago. Why if we are gonna be so tough on crime are they still out selling dope today. He did wrong and he admitted to it. He cried all afternoon yesterday and he is remorseful and he knows he will be punished but it needs to be done right. My family all sat around and watch the news and read the articles on it and my kids were so upset that someone was dumb enough to do it we didn't know it was one of us. I asked him why and he said they were just bored and didn't know all this would happen. So before everyone gets on their high horse and thinks that they are better then everyone just remember next time it might be one of your kids who does something stupid

Maybe the word will get out now with this case, along with the window shooting spree, that vandalism is a crime that has grown up consequences. Last week someone, in a random act of vandalism, ran a key or other sharp object along the driver side of my new to me car. It made me feel angry and helpless to vandals. I should have reported it to police, but I felt it would have been a waste of time. The senseless destruction of property leaves the victim feeling horribly abused. What psychological reward do people get from vandalizing property? Anybody know?

LOL! I'm with coraleaterlinda!!!! That would for sure embarrass them. I hope they have learned a lesson in what they have done and I hope their conscience is eating them alive. Good job Cuero PD!

Awesome! As for punishment, I suggest making them dress up like elves (tights and all) while doing community service (preferably in a very public, visible area). Also, make them pay for everything they broke.

$150,000 damages...send the bill to momma and daddy.

Excellent news!