In a surprising turn of events, a Texas mother who infiltrated her daughter’s middle school by posing as the teen was found guilty of trespassing. The woman, who undertook the act as a demonstration of perceived security weaknesses in the wake of widespread school shootings, will face no jail time.
The mother, identified as Casey Garcia, embarked on this unconventional venture to conduct what she termed a “social experiment.” At 30 years of age, Garcia managed to pass as her 13-year-old daughter and attend classes undetected for a significant part of the day. The stunt, which was later broadcast across social media platforms, led to her arrest and subsequent trial.
Culminating earlier this week, the trial resulted in a jury convicting Garcia. She was handed a sentence of six months of probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $700 fine, suspended on the condition of her probation’s successful completion. This outcome was publicized by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, which had been instrumental in her arrest following the incident at San Elizario Middle School.
The case came to light when school officials reported the trespass, having been alerted by Garcia’s social media posts. Garcia had meticulously documented her day at the school on video, showcasing how she mingled with students and participated in classes. Her disguise included a Marvel hoodie, glasses, and a face mask, which contributed to her avoiding immediate detection.
Garcia’s audacious act raised numerous questions about school safety protocols. It wasn’t until the end of the school day that a teacher finally confronted her, unraveling her disguise. The incident led to charges not just for trespassing but also for tampering with government records, alongside an unrelated traffic infraction from years prior.
Despite the conviction, Garcia’s attorney argued that her client’s intention was to cast light on a serious issue rather than to cause harm. In her defense, the lawyer pointed out that the action was meant to simulate a scenario less harmful than the potential for a school shooting, an argument which reflects ongoing national concerns about school security.