Update to this story is found here.
On Friday, two Wharton Independent School District students were placed in the custody of the Wharton County Jail in relation to an alleged altercation between players and coaching staff.
The incident took place during the Friday night football game on Oct. 8
While the district remains silent on the matter, three total warrants have been issued related to the halftime incident.
Omarian Dpree Marks, 17, and Jalik Versean Knight, 17, #79 and #75 on the WHS Tiger Football roster, were booked on charges of assault of a public servant — a state felony. They were each released on a $15,000 bond.
A third warrant for Allyn Perez was waiting fulfillment by law enforcement, before Perez turned himself in to law enforcement. All students were suspended and assigned to the district’s Alternative Education Placement program.
This district has not released any further statements concerning this incident. And has yet to respond to a public information request submitted by The County Gin.
Educators in possession of mary jane
In addition to the student athletes, two of WISD’s staff appeared in the police blotter.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, Marcus Andre Chandler, 42, of Rosharon, was booked on charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon and possession of marijuana less than two ounces in a drug free zone.
His profile on the Wharton ISD website states he is the 7/8th grade PE Boys instructor.
Not to be confused with his brothers Timothy Chandler, 7/8th grade Behavior, or Richard Chandler, Principal of Wharton High School.
Marcus could possibly be tied to the Oct. 8th halftime incident; however, the district has not confirmed speculations.
He is listed as an assistant coach on the 2021 Wharton Tiger Roster.
Marcus was released on two- $1,500 bonds the same day.
Sasha Rene Baldwin, 29, of Wharton, was booked on the charge of possession of marijuana less than two ounces in a drug free zone at the same time.
Baldwin is listed as a Special Education Teacher at the Wharton Junior High.
She was released on a $1,500 bond the same day.
Both were taken into custody by the Wharton Police Department and the alleged crimes took place at Pleasure Park in Wharton.
The Gin made an attempt to contact WISD to inquire of any changes of employment for Marcus and Baldwin.
“The district is aware that two employees were arrested this weekend while off duty and away from school premises for conduct that did not involve any other staff or any students,” WISD Superintendent Michael O’Guin Sr. told The Gin.
He continued, “We are still gathering information. The employees have been placed on administrative leave while we investigate. Since it involves employees, I will not be commenting further.”
According to the WISD Employee Standards of Conduct; all educators are to refrain from the use of illegal substances.
“Standard 1.12. The educator shall refrain from the illegal use, abuse, or distribution of controlled substances, prescription drugs, and toxic inhalants.” – WISD Employee Standards of Conduct.
The policy does not list any standards concerning arrests while employed.
