The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged 26 students in connection with fights at the Alton High School on Aug. 30.
The charges were filed following an investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The offenses range from disorderly conduct to mob action and aggravated battery of a peace officer.
“After a close review of each case referred to our office, we have seen fit to file charges against these students for various crimes stemming from these incidents,” State’s Attorney Tom Haine stated. “It is a tragedy whenever the criminal justice system becomes the appropriate tool to punish students for actions that occur in school. But where necessary, we will use all tools the law offers to ensure the safety of our schools. Our schools must be protected from crime and violence. Period.”
Of the students involved, 24 are facing juvenile charges and two are being charged as adults. The ages of the students range from 14 to 18, consisting of 15 females and 11 males.
A delinquent juvenile can be given a range of punishments, including court supervision, probation or commitment to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. If committed to IDJJ, a juvenile can be held at a state-operated detention facility until the individual’s 21st birthday.
The two students being charged as adults include: Precious Holloway, 18, who is charged with aggravated battery of a school employee, a class 3 felony, and A’Marie Robinson, 18, who is charged with aggravated battery of a public place, a class 3 felony, and mob action, a class 4 felony.
Class 3 felonies carry a sentence range from probation to five years in prison. A class 4 felony carries a sentence range from probation to three years in prison.
“This was not a cookie-cutter approach,” Haine said. “This was a meticulous review that took into account the actions of the level of involvement of each individual.”
Haine commended local police and school officials for their response to the fight, as well as public and private community leaders who are working to bring the community together following the incident.
“We will continue to work with parents, school officials and community leaders moving forward,” Haine said. “Together, we can assure that our schools are secure environments where children can learn and grow without fear for their personal safety.”
Haine also noted that the investigation found no weapons on any individual’s person, nor were weapons used in the fight, contrary to social media reports.