A Texas mother is facing serious legal repercussions after an incident involving alcohol-laced treats served at a fifth-grade holiday celebration.
Teresa Isabel Bernal, 33, has been arrested and charged with felony injury to a child following the December event at Jones Elementary School in Tyler. The trouble began when several students consumed Jell-O shots allegedly containing vodka during a class Christmas party.
According to police reports, an alert call from the school’s assistant principal prompted an investigation into the presence of the treats. Initial findings revealed that one student became ill and vomited while another struggled to stand after consuming six of the Jell-O shots. Staff quickly discovered the shots contained alcohol but were unable to prevent most students from ingesting them.
The incident led to a significant disruption, with fifteen students reporting stomach discomfort and headaches. Further complications arose after the holiday break; one student reported vomiting twice at school, while another claimed to have “passed out” following the party.
Bernal initially told authorities she had purchased the Jell-O shots from a local business advertised on Facebook—a vendor operating from a residential address. She maintained that she was unaware of the alcohol content and denied any intention of providing students with intoxicating substances.
However, investigators found her claims unconvincing. Evidence presented in the arrest affidavit included a photograph of the Jell-O shots Bernal ordered, which explicitly stated they contained Smirnoff vodka. The complaint asserts:
“There is no way Bernal could have missed the fact that the Jello-O shots she purchased and brought to her daughter’s fifth grade Christmas party contained drinking alcohol.”
Teachers interviewed by investigators admitted they found it unusual for a parent to bring Jell-O shots, but expressed trust that Bernal wouldn’t introduce anything harmful to the school celebration.
Tyler Independent School District (ISD) confirmed awareness of the arrest and collaboration with law enforcement. They stated that Bernal has been barred from school grounds and now faces legal proceedings.
- Current Status: Bernal was booked into jail on April 21st, with bail set at $75,000.
- Legal Representation: She has yet to appear in court and is currently without legal counsel.
