My name is Stephan Hughey. On December 4th, 2020 I was playing my last game of high school football, senior night for Cleveland ISD. Prior to preparation for the game we received threats of the type of play the Caney Creek Panthers were going to show.

During the night of the game I was playing defense and was covering a Caney Creek wide receiver. Upon the incompletion of a pass attempt I landed out of bounds on the ground. While lying on the ground I was surround by 7 Caney Creek Panthers players and was struck from behind.

When getting off the ground, concerned of being on their sideline, I got up and swung in defense of being struck from behind. I was ejected from the game and sent to the locker room.

As I'm sitting the locker room, an officer named Garcia escorted me to the cafeteria and had me wait while he was informing my mother that I was being arrested. An opposing Caney Creek parent reported she wanted to press charges because her son was struck by an opposing player with a helmet. After review of football footage it was determined that the video footage was inconclusive of the kid being struck  with a helmet. The video footage did capture me the entire time on the field with my helmet on and never striking anyone with my helmet.

I was arrested with no charge it was depending on the report of the ER doctor of the injury (no video only word of mouth that he was struck with a helmet.) I was then placed in hand restraints and taken to Liberty County Jail facing "Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury Harm" charges.

I've never been in trouble with Law Enforcement. I have all my credits to graduate. I counsel, mentor, am a voice for the the school body as well as voice for our church. I'm writing this petition of the effect of my overall livelihood in life. First time ever in trouble I'm facing a 2nd degree felony – there's no way of getting a decent job if any job. Cleveland ISD is not allowing me to walk with my class after I have successfully completed my recommendations to graduate.

After contacting my family to gather the money for my bond, which at the time was $50,000 and after seeing the judge, I received a PR bond and was released. I wanted to return to school on Monday but Coach Fisacoo had contacted Principal Rodriguez of an update of my status. Principal Rodriguez informed Coach Fisacoo that while the investigation was going on I would not be allowed on campus. The next day my parents arrived to the school to be informed the school wants to send me to DEAP which is alternative school.

So now I'm out on bond, facing a felony as well as they want me to remain in DEAP the remainder of the year or until the court comes to a decision or charges are dropped.

While waiting with COVID still going on I could easily be reset for court dates on no decision made by the time to graduate. All I'm asking is for help for others to review this petition a senior in high school that just wants to graduate to have a chance of bettering my education as well as providing for my younger siblings.

While you're reading I just ask that you ask yourself to put on my shoes. If it was your child or grandchild or relative or even you what would you want done and who would you ask for help? Regardless of the outcome I'm grateful for you reading or sharing this. The bible states in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," Declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I am a true believer of his word standing on his promises. I'm just asking in review or signing this petition you agree to help and fight so this doesn't happen to anyone else.