Bartlesville School Staff Want Maximum Sentence For Teen Who Plotted Shooting

Next week, a Bartlesville teen convicted of plotting a school shooting will be formally sentenced.

For Jessie Chavez, the past 11 months have been a whirlwind. Her son, Sammie Chavez, was convicted of plotting a school shooting.

The jury recommends he spend 30 months behind bars. But a pre-sentencing investigation reveals Bartlesville teachers and administrators are asking Chavez receive the maximum sentence of 10 years.

"I understand how they feel, but to put an innocent teenager--10 years really? For nothing. Nothing," Jessie said.

Some of his former teachers say they're still fearful of Chavez and they believe a 30-month sentence is far too short.

9/24/2013 Related Story: Bartlesville Teen Found Guilty Of Plotting School Shooting

One high school staff member wrote, "the courts should set a precedence that Bartlesville will not tolerate that type of behavior."

Another says students, parents and teachers have "been damaged" and the "emotional cost he has piled upon so many is so unfair."

Neither wanted to release their names out of fear of retaliation.

"Sammie would never retaliate," his mother said. "These teachers, they didn't take the time to know Sammie."

12/18/2012 Related Story: Documents Describe Items Found In Home Of Bartlesville School Threat Suspect

The report says Chavez had a troubled childhood. He started doing drugs and drinking at a young age and was in state custody for a period of time. His mom believes he is in trouble now because he was bottling up his emotions.

"If Sammie had any anger, it's my fault. I was a very horrible mom," Jessie said. "I was bad. I drank all the time, all the time and Sammie witnessed a lot."

Even though she wasn't always there for him as a child, she said she promises him every day that she'll love and support him when he gets out of jail.

The report also says, because of Chavez's threat, the school has had to dip into other funds to increase security.