RUNAWAY FROM ‘FIVE OAKS’ PLEADS TRUE TO AUSTIN CO. ARSON
A teen-ager accused of arson in Austin County, says he simply walked away from the Five Oaks Achievement Center in New Ulm, while supervisors were asleep.
The 15-year old left the facility early on the morning of January 18th, allegedly set fire to a nearby home, then sat and waited for authorities to arrive. The home was a total loss – no one was home at the time of the fire.
In a statement, released Wednesday morning by the Austin County D.A.’s office, at a hearing last week the juvenile pleaded “true” to Burglary of a Habitation and Arson. Judge Dan Leedy ordered the suspect into the custody of the Texas Juvenile Justice Division.
After an assessment, which could take up to six months, the suspect could be held in a juvenile facility from one year up until his 19th birthday.
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Kourtney Estep says after he completes his term, he could be released or sent to an adult prison, dependent upon his conduct.
According to District Attorney Travis Koehn, the 15-year old had been Five Oaks for about two years, after time at several foster facilities.
Koehn praised the work of local authorities in the handling of the case, and was thankful no one was injured in the fire.
Earlier, Koehn said law enforcement officers have detained 11 runaways from Five Oaks, since December, who have committed numerous acts of criminal mischief and vandalism.
This young boy has been in foster care in the past plus spent two years at 5 Oaks. Has his behavior improved? Does he have a caring family? What went wrong? Did the system fail or did he fail the system?
He needs an immediate intervention and put in a strict controlled environment.
Praise God no one was injured.
Put the blame where it belongs! The first sentence of the article tells it all “the teen states he walked away while the supervisors were asleep!! Everyone knows places like this facility, BSSLC, hospitals, nursing homes etc employ staff to monitor their residents/clients 24/7. If the supervisors are sleeping when they should be watching what do you expect!! Shame on the staff for being irresponsible! You are paid to watch over and supervise these children. Do Your Job!!!
THE FACILITY HAS FAILED THESE CHILDREN, ITS NOT HIS FAULT THESE CHILDREN HAVE BACKGROUND THE STAFF SHOULD BE HELD FULLY ACCOUNTABLE NOT HIM, WHAT ACTUALLY IS YOUR JOB TITLE? TO LOOK AFTER THESE CHILDREN AND CARE FOR THEM RIGHT
When exactly does it become “these children” fault? It is my 13 year old’s fault if he does something he is not supposed to. I think the place needs to be reviewed for their lack of competence in providing the services they are paid for. This is why Washington County DOES NOT need another center like this.
SOUNDS LIKE THEY NEED TO GO TO THE BIG HOUSE, NOT IN BELLVILLE
When will this end? Does someone have to die before security is beefed up or their “status” is changed to a “secure” facility?