Florida Moms Call Cops On Sons After $50k School Damage
Deltona, Florida — What Happened
Two boys, ages 12 and 13, are facing serious accusations after investigators say they broke into Friendship Elementary School and caused more than $50,000 in damage to the school’s library media center.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the boys allegedly entered the campus during the day on September 13, then returned later that night and forced their way inside the library.
Inside the Library: “A Destructive Rampage”
Deputies say the pre-teens vandalized the media center by:
- Throwing books across the library floor
- Toppling and damaging furniture
- Scrawling graffiti on doors
Investigators allege the situation escalated when the boys later came back to look at the damage and caused even more destruction, reportedly setting off the fire alarm in the process. When deputies responded, they found the library ransacked and heavily damaged.
Evidence Released: Photos and Surveillance Video
Authorities shared images showing the extent of the destruction, including books scattered everywhere, smashed furniture, and wrecked property.
Investigators also referenced surveillance footage showing two suspects entering the library, with details such as one wearing a Monster Energy cap and both suspects covering their faces to hide their identities.
“Their Moms Turned Them In”
After the footage and photos circulated online, tips came in—but the biggest breakthrough allegedly came from the boys’ own families. Investigators said the mothers recognized their children and contacted authorities.
The sheriff’s office later identified the suspects as 12-year-old Felix Cohen Romero and 13-year-old Bentley Ryan Wehrly, stating the boys confessed and that the damage totaled at least $50,000.
Criminal Charges Filed
Each boy is facing multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of burglary
- Two counts of trespassing on school grounds
- Criminal mischief
- Theft
Officials have not yet detailed how the case will move forward through the juvenile justice system, but the high dollar amount of damage could mean serious consequences.
Online Reaction: Praise for the Mothers
Public response focused heavily on the mothers’ decision to report their children. Many commenters called it tough but responsible parenting, arguing it could teach the boys about real-world consequences.
Calls for Restitution and Clean-Up
Some online commenters suggested the boys should be required to help repair the harm, including ideas like:
- Putting books back on shelves
- Cleaning the library daily
- Helping restore the media center so they directly face the impact of their actions
A Reminder About Accountability
For the two boys, the alleged vandalism brought criminal charges, public scrutiny, and a major lesson in accountability. For many observers, the defining moment was the mothers’ decision to step forward—seen as proof that responsibility starts at home.
