Oklahoma district investigates allegations of staffers serving alcohol to minors at weekend party, reported hospitalization

Local and state officials in Oklahoma are investigating allegations of “potential misconduct” by Elgin Public Schools staffers reportedly serving alcohol to minors, resulting in a hospitalization.

“Elgin PS has been made aware of the incident and has reached out to the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Oklahoma State Department of Education Investigations Division in furtherance of determining the facts of who was involved and what culpability they have,” Superintendent Nate Meraz told Gray’s KSWO 7News.

A social media post referenced a weekend party where school staff members served alcohol to minors, the news outlet reported Oct. 14.

“The allegations … also claim one minor was hospitalized following the alleged incident. District officials have contacted both county and state authorities to help determine the facts and if there is any culpability to be had.” 

While the state department’s investigations division acknowledged notification “referencing potential misconduct of an Oklahoma certified teacher employed at Elgin Public Schools,” it also noted the case “is in the preliminary stages at this time.” 

The district has not confirmed whether any staffers were placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues, according to the news outlet.

“It remains unclear how long the process of looking into the incident will take or what potential consequences staff members might face if the allegations are substantiated.” 

Approximately 2,500 pre-K and K-12 students are enrolled in the district, named after the city of Elgin in northeastern Oklahoma’s Comanche County. 

Felony injury charges after 5th-grader’s party in Texas school 

Other recent headlines involving alcohol at schools include Jones Elementary School in Tyler, Texas. 

Teresa Isabel Bernal, 33, was arrested on charges of felony injury to a child after reportedly bringing alcohol-infused Jell-O shots to her daughter’s Christmas party. Her daughter was in 5th grade at the time. 

“In my opinion, there is no way Bernal could have missed the fact that the Jell-O shots she purchased … and brought to her daughter’s 5th-grade Christmas party contained drinking alcohol,” the arrest affidavit read. 

The home business providing the shots had a disclaimer saying the products contained Smirnoff vodka, according to the affidavit. 

The party involved 15 students who consumed the shots along with other snacks. Many reported “stomach aches and headaches” as a result, including one student who vomited twice.