4 Devine HS students charged in meth bust

Students used drug at school, during school events, Medina County sheriff says

DEVINE, Texas – Four Devine High School students have been charged with possession of methamphetamine after Medina County sheriff’s officials said they were using and distributing the drug at school and during school events.

Two other adults not associated with the school were also charged with supplying the meth to the students, a Medina County sheriff’s official said.

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PREVIOUSLY: Medina County investigators break up drug ring supplying meth to students, authorities say

None of the students, who are 17 and 18 years old, nor the adults have been publicly identified.

Officials said the students will be given pre-trial intervention/pre-trial diversion, a form of probation that will not result in a felony criminal history. This determination was made because of the students’ lack of criminal or disciplinary history.

“Pre-trial diversion probation should be used sparingly, but is sometimes appropriate, when you have a 17- or 18-year-old high school student, nonviolent first-time offender as is the case with these students,” Medina County District Attorney Daniel Kindred said in a statement released by the sheriff’s office.

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Kindred called the pre-trial diversion a rehabilitative tool, but noted that a probation violation would result in a felony indictment.

“I can hold them accountable (and) assess an appropriate punishment without turning a teenager into a felon,” Kindred said. “It is my hope these students will commit no further criminal violations, graduate from high school and go on to be productive citizens.”

As part of the pre-trial diversion, the students will be required to complete supervised community service, be placed under a curfew, not participate in school sports, and undergo drug testing and counseling.