WAYNE, W.Va. — Wayne County prosecutor Tom Plymale said he anticipates all Wayne High School seniors involved in a gruesome school prank to accept his pre-trial diversion offer.
Plymale said he won’t prosecute the students if they agree to make restitution, perform community service and stay out of trouble for a set period of time.
About 20 seniors broke into the school building last week and spread deer carcasses in classrooms, hallways and offices. They poured deer blood and urine and dumped 1,600 cups of water. The Wayne County Board of Education ruled the students will not be allowed to participate in commencement ceremonies Thursday night, though they will receive their diplomas.
Plymale said not being allowed to attend graduation will serve as punishment and the terms of the pre-trial diversion should bring about “a satisfactory resolution.”
Several details of diversion agreement still must be worked out, but Plymale said it appears all the students and their parents are interested.
“From all indications the interest in getting into the program and getting this behind them is high,” he said.
Plymale said senior pranks have been getting out-of-hand at Wayne High School for the last several years. He hopes this was the last.
“For young people entering into adulthood you have consequences for your actions, and this is one of them,” Plymale said.
The prosecutor re-emphasized plans to prosecute those who choose not to participate in pre-trial diversion. State police said the damage to the school was in excess of $2,500, making the crime a felony.