“I think ultimately there’s going to be an issue regarding bullying regarding why some of these allegations came to light and why some things were done in this particular case,” defense attorney Rob Dziech told our news partner WCPO.
Dziech asked a Butler County magistrate today if the court would allow his client to return home with his parents.
That request was denied, pending a hearing to determine whether the teen poses a threat to himself or others.
“What I can tell you about my client is that he has absolutely no record. I believe that the people at the school would indicate that he is well behaved, that he is a quiet and shy young man,” Dziech said.
At today’s hearing, Dziech also stated that Lakota Local Schools was doing its own investigation into the alleged bullying.
“While we cannot comment on any specific case due to student privacy rights, any allegation of bullying at Lakota is investigated fully,” Lakota East Principal Suzanna Davis said in a statement. “Beginning in kindergarten through senior year, students participate in programs to proactively address bullying. Part of this education involves encouraging students to report any instances of bullying they experience or witness so that district officials can intervene in the best interest of the student. This is an issue we take very seriously.”
Butler County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Morgan Dallman previously told this news outlet that the boy was apparently being “picked on” at school.