A Florida teenager with autism, Brendan Depa, has been sentenced to five years in state prison following his conviction for assaulting a teacher’s aide at Matanzas High School after she confiscated his Nintendo Switch.
The sentencing took place on Aug. 6, 2024, in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in Flagler County.
Depa, 18, who pleaded no contest to one count of aggravated battery on an elected official or education employee, was also sentenced to 15 years of probation.
Judge Terence Perkins, who presided over the case, ordered the Department of Corrections to conduct a comprehensive mental health assessment of Depa and to develop a care plan tailored to his needs.
Additionally, the court prohibited any future contact between Depa and the victim, Joan Naydich.
The incident, which occurred in February 2023, was captured on video and played in court.
The footage shows Depa charging at Naydich after she took away his Nintendo Switch, violently knocking her to the ground, and continuing to kick and punch her until she lost consciousness.
Naydich testified that the attack has left her with lasting physical and psychological trauma, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
She stated that the incident has significantly altered her life, leading to the loss of her job of nearly 19 years, financial instability, and the loss of her health insurance.
Judge Perkins noted during the sentencing that Depa had not shown remorse for his actions and referenced his history of violent behavior.
Despite these observations, Depa’s mother, Leanne Depa, criticized the court’s decision, arguing that her son’s race, size, and disability were factors in the severity of the sentence.
She expressed concern that the school had failed to implement the behavioral plan developed for her son and argued that he needed treatment rather than incarceration.
The court confirmed that Brendan Depa retains the right to appeal his sentence.
