Former MPS teacher’s aide pleads no contest after altercation with student



MILWAUKEE COUNTY — 39-year-old Jasmine Pennix — the former Bay View High School teacher’s aide charged following an altercation with a student that was caught on camera -- pleaded no contest on Wednesday, July 6th.

Pennix initially faced one count of child abuse, intentionally causing harm -- and faced up to six years in prison. But instead, he is now pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of battery.

Fight at Bay View H.S. caught on video



The judge in this case then sentenced Pennix to three days already served -- plus court costs.

Video of the incident, which happened on April 20th, went viral. It shows the former teacher’s aide shoving a 14-year-old student to the ground.

"He was antagonized and what we could show was premeditation and I think we could have very easily have argued consent and I think we could have argued self -defense," said Steven Kohn, defense attorney.

Cohn wanted to go to trial, but he said he wasn't the one facing a felony. Pennix was -- and he decided to make the plea to misdemeanor battery.

Fight at Bay View H.S. caught on video



"I'm trying to be about somebody with substance. And unfortunately, this particular thing happened on this day. I can't take it back. I wish I could. I wish it never took place," Pennix said in court Wednesday.

Because Pennix had no criminal record, the prosecutor wanted to limit the sentence, but wanted to use Pennix as an example.

"The fact that he's been convicted of this now will hopefully send a message....consequences if you cross that line," said Kevin Shomin, prosecutor.