Texas Mother Arrested After Alcoholic Jell-O Shots Served at School Christmas Party
In a troubling incident at Jones Elementary School in Tyler, Texas, a mother has been arrested for allegedly bringing alcoholic Jell-O shots to her child’s Christmas party. Teresa Isabel Bernal, 33, faces charges of injury to a child after fifteen students consumed the alcoholic treats during the December 20 gathering.
According to an arrest affidavit, Bernal purchased the Jell-O shots from a Facebook-based home business. These shots were displayed alongside other snacks in the cafeteria where fifth-grade classes congregated. Soon after consumption, many students reported adverse effects, including stomach aches and headaches. One student even vomited twice, while another passed out after ingesting the shots, which contained Smirnoff vodka.
When questioned by police, Bernal claimed she was unaware of the alcohol content, stating the shots had a different taste. Despite her insistence, teachers had previously tasted the shots and suspected they contained alcohol. Following the incident, affected students were sent to the nurse’s office, leaving only four children in the classroom.
The investigating officer noted that the Facebook business had clearly labeled its products as containing alcohol, casting doubt on Bernal’s assertions of ignorance. Bernal was arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail but posted a $75,000 bond shortly after.
The Tyler Independent School District has confirmed Bernal’s arrest and stated that she will not be allowed back on campus. They emphasized their commitment to student safety and promptly addressed the situation by informing parents and cooperating with law enforcement. The district’s response highlights the seriousness with which they regard this incident involving a parent volunteer.
This story first appeared on NBCNews.com.
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