A court document KFDM/Fox 4 News has obtained, alleges a teenage suspect began hitting and kicking another West Brook High School student after confronting the victim in a restroom, demanding a cell phone and other items, and being told the victim didn't have any belongings with him.
The statements are contained in a Probable Cause Affidavit filed for the arrest of Jordon Jermaine Savoy, 16, a junior at West Brook, on a charge of robbery. If convicted of the 2nd Degree Felony, he could face the possibility of two to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
During a certification hearing Monday at the Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Center, Judge Randy Shelton ruled the 16-year-old Savoy will stand trial as an adult on the robbery charge linked to the violent bathroom assault captured on several cell phone videos that went viral.
The judge set bond at $50,000. If Savoy isn't able to post bond, he'll remain at the juvenile center until he's 17 next July, when he'd be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail while awaiting trial. That could take at least a year or longer.
Savoy has remained at the center since his September 7 arrest.
The Probable Cause Affidavit includes statements from a BISD police officer who arrested Savoy.
It states that on Wednesday, September 7, administrators at West Brook notified campus police of what appeared to be an assault. The victim said Savoy opened a stall in the boys restroom in the F hallway. The victim stated that in an attempt to get away, he pulled Savoy by his shirt after Savoy demanded items located in the victim's shorts/pants, including the victim's cell phone.
The PC continues:
"It was at this time the assault occurred, when the victim stated he had no belongings on him. Video obtained shows the victim in the fetal position, on the floor, while Savoy continuously delivered closed hand strikes and kicks to the victim. Savoy left the victim on the floor without seeking any medical attention. Savoy eluded police and campus administration for approximately three class periods, after hearing from friends that law enforcement and campus administration were looking for him."
Executive Assistant District Attorney Keith Giblin has told KFDM his office is concerned about the safety of each and every student and will do everything in its power to make sure that all students have a safe place to learn and study. He says the D.A.'s Office will vigorously prosecute anyone that commits a crime on campus.
Attorney Mel Shelander represented the teenager during Monday's certification hearing. He spoke with us by telephone Monday night.
"I think it's overkill," said Shelander. "This was a fight at school. It was a bad fight, but to certify this juvenile as an adult, I think it's overkill. The juvenile system was designed for teens who make a mistake to rehabilitate through the juvenile system. He wasn't afforded that opportunity, even though this is the first time he's been in trouble."
Shelander says he won't be representing Savoy as the legal process continues.