THREE CALDWELL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ACCUSED IN SCHOOL BUS INCIDENT ACCEPT PLEA DEALS

  

Three of the four Caldwell High School students accused of stripping another student on a school bus in September have pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

According to the Milam County District Attorney’s Office, 18-year-old Katherine Hart and 17-year-olds Marina Brinkman and Kadie Hartman were sentenced today (Tuesday) in Milam County Court after pleading guilty to Unlawful Restraint, a Class A misdemeanor.

The three students were each placed on 12 months deferred adjudication with standard probation conditions including no contact with the victim.  They must also complete 40 hours of community service and pay a $4,000 fine, in addition to a to-be-determined amount of restitution.

In November, the three students, along with a fourth student, 17-year-old Sophie Goodman, were indicted by a Milam County grand jury on one count each of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity – Unlawful Restraint, a third degree felony.  Goodman’s case was not heard today.

Warrants filed for the arrest of the four students accuse them of holding a 14-year-old student down on the bus and taking off her clothes as they returned to Caldwell after a volleyball match.  They were arrested in October by Milam County authorities.

Caldwell ISD Communications Director Kim Pagach released a statement today, saying:

In November 2021, Caldwell ISD completed the investigation of an incident that
occurred on a CISD bus. The disciplinary action as a result of the investigation was in
accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.

Upon receiving confirmation from the Milam County District Attorney of the outcome to
the students’ charges, Caldwell ISD will reassess the disciplinary action in accordance
with our Student Code of Conduct.