A 9-year-old Oklahoma boy’s family was shocked when he was sentenced to a Victim Protection Order (VPO) after allegedly stalking and harassing a female classmate over a period of several months.
The Potawatomi County Sheriff’s Office hosted the student at Horace Mann Elementary School on Wednesday morning after Judge Tracy McDaniel signed the petition order from the girl’s mother, Elsie Goggin, according to . KFOR.
Potawatomi County Deputy Sheriff Travis Dinwiddie said police made sure to notify the boy’s family before going to work at the school.
“We served it there because that was the address listed on the court petition…it was by order of the court. So we have to do our part as court officials. “No,” Dinwiddie told the outlet.
Dinwiddie said the department was simply doing its job and following the court’s legal orders.
However, a Victim Protection Order (VPO) issued to the boy while he was in school was a bit harsh on the boy’s family.
“It’s just shocking because a 9-year-old boy is being served by the sheriff at his school,” said LaVonne McCoy, the 9-year-old’s grandmother.
McCoy fears the legal ramifications of serving his grandson, who is said to be hyperactive, will affect his future.
“I’ve seen her in the store and she always chases him when he’s playing. And he tries to hide, because he’s 9 years old… There’s nothing here about abuse of any kind. It’s not written, so I don’t know why he would have a problem with it because he’s a kid,” McCoy said.
She said she never witnessed her grandson mentally attacking his female classmates, and that they were just “being kids and playing around and having fun.”
It was a shock to the boy’s family, but the girl’s mother spoke up and said, “If I told her to stop the violence, I would move heaven and earth.”
The concerned mother explained that she made several attempts to resolve the issue before requesting the VPO.
“I had to reach a point where I said enough is enough,” Goggin told the outlet.
The boy was sent home immediately after receiving the order.
In a statement provided to the media, Horace Mann Elementary School Superintendent Dr. Aaron Esporto said he was aware that the sheriff came to the school to serve one of the students, and that “students and staff “The safety and security of students is the school’s top priority,” he said. priority.
“We have protocols and procedures in place and will thoroughly investigate and address any concerns students and parents share with us,” Mann said.
“We will always cooperate with law enforcement authorities and work with families to ensure the highest safety standards and procedures are followed,” the director explained.
Horace Mann Elementary School is located approximately 40 miles from downtown Oklahoma City.
A hearing for the boy is scheduled for April 24, the newspaper said.
