DISPOSITION OF CHARGES IN HIGH SCHOOL CONFRONTATION INVOLVING A STUDENT, THE PRINCIPAL, A SCHOOL AIDE, AND A NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICER

On February 3, 2005, the Bronx Guild High School was the scene of an unfortunate and unnecessary confrontation between school and police authorities. The incident precipitated when a student, Ashley Vega, began screaming a a school aide in a corridor. When Police Officer Juan Gonzalez intervened and attempted to issue a summons to Ms. Vega, she retreated into a classroom. Thereafter, inside the classroom a confrontation ensued between Officer Gonzalez, School Principal Michael Soquero, school aide James Burgos and student Ashley Vega, which led to the filing of criminal charges.

Vega, charged with one count of Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree, a Class "A" misdemeanor, and one count of Disorderly conduct, a violation, appeared before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Barrett, who adjourned the case in contemplation of dismissal. The defendant apologized, stating that: "Michael Soquero and James Burgos have always supported me. I'm sorry that what happened went this far. I apologize for my language and conduct. What I did was wrong. I hope that I can learn from this."

Last Tuesday, Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that after assessing, individually, the motives and actions of each defendant, and taking into consideration statements in court by Soquero and Burgos, the charges were resolved as follows: Misdemeanor offenses of Assault in the 3rd degree, Obstructing Governmental Administration in the 2nd degree and refusing to aid a Peace or a Police Officer were dismissed against Principal Soquero, and adjourned contemplation of dismissal in the case against school aide Burgos.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher Clarke.