Florida Boys Charged After Moms Turn Them In for $50K School Vandalism
Two Florida boys, ages 12 and 13, are facing serious charges after their mothers turned them in for causing over $50,000 in damage to their school’s library.
According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the boys broke into Friendship Elementary School in Deltona on Sept. 13—first during the day, then returning at night. Inside, they allegedly trashed the media center, throwing books, smashing furniture, spraying graffiti, and eventually setting off the fire alarm.
Deputies responding to the alarm found the library ransacked. Surveillance footage showed the masked boys entering, one wearing a Monster Energy hat. After images were posted online, tips poured in—most crucially, from their own mothers, who recognized them and contacted police.
The boys, identified as Felix Cohen Romero (12) and Bentley Ryan Wehrly (13), confessed. Both now face charges including burglary, trespassing, criminal mischief, and theft.
Online, many praised the mothers for doing the right thing. “Great job moms,” one commenter wrote. “Helping them learn about consequences is the hardest part of being a parent.”
Others suggested the boys be made to clean up the library as part of their punishment. Authorities have not yet confirmed how the case will proceed in juvenile court.