Plea deal denied for former WV school staffers who made disturbing comments about students

MARTINSBURG, WV (7News) — "I ought to backhand you right in your teeth. How is that for anxiety?" "This one I could punch her right in her face."

Horrible comments made by teachers to special education students at Berkeley Heights Elementary were caught on tape by Amber Pack, a student's mother.

The 7News I-Team started to break down the investigation back in 2019.

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Fast forward to Tuesday, A judge rejected a plea deal offered to former teacher Christina Lester and former aides June Yurish and Kristin Douty.

All three will be tried under a misdemeanor for failing to report abuse.

RELATED | 3 women appear in W.Va. court in connection to disturbing comments on secret recordings

"The court also finds it unacceptable and compelling that the defendants haven't shown any remorse for their actions," said Berkeley County Circuit Court Judge Laura Faircloth.

The rejected plea deal brokered by Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney Catie Wilkes Delligatti who four years ago decided not to file charges until the West Virginia Attorney General's office, now filed a human rights violation lawsuit against the women.

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The Prosecuting Attorney's plea deal included dismissing charges and banning the women from ever working with disabled kids. In March, Delligatti said all the victims' parents were on board with her plea deal.

SEE AlSO | Ex-Berkeley Co. school staff close to plea deal over disturbing comments secretly recorded

"So all the parents are in agreement in the manner of the way the state is moving forward?" asked Judge Faircloth.

"Yes, that is fair to say. I think everyone agrees it's not the outcome in a perfect world but recognizes that we have more tools moving forward because of this case," added Delligatti.

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On Tuesday, Kasey Murphy, a victim's mother, said she doesn't agree to Delligatti's plea deal and wants a jury to decide justice.

"I just want some sort of justice out of this for closure for my son and the other victims' families and if that is a guilty verdict then that is what my family wants," said Murphy.

All three women head to a jury trial in January. If convicted they could spend 90 days in jail and pay a fine.