Brendan Depa, an 18-year-old Florida student, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading no contest to one count of aggravated battery on an elected official or education employee for an assault that left a school employee unconscious. The incident occurred at Matanzas High School in Flagler County after the employee confiscated Depa’s Nintendo Switch. The assault was captured on video, showing Depa repeatedly kicking and punching the employee until she lost consciousness.
During the sentencing, Judge Terence Perkins noted that Depa showed no remorse for the assault. The victim, Joan Naydich, testified that she continues to struggle with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder due to the attack. Depa’s mother stated that her son has mental health issues and was triggered by the removal of his electronics, citing a court-ordered evaluation that found him to have autism, schizophrenia, and other conditions.
The Depa family has sued the school district, accusing officials of failing to provide proper support for Brendan’s special needs, which they believe contributed to the assault. However, the school district has not commented on the allegations, and the superintendent has not responded to requests for comment. Leanne Depa expressed concern for her son’s safety in prison, advocating for him to receive treatment rather than being incarcerated where he could be harmed.
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