Five Charged Over Vandalism to School Buses

KILGORE (AP) � Five graduates will face misdemeanor charges over dozens of damaged school buses that forced classes to be canceled for a day in an East Texas district. Kilgore police initially said the students could face felony criminal mischief charges. Gregg County District Attorney Carl Dorrough says the former Kilgore High School students have been charged with misdemeanor vandalism offenses. The Kilgore Independent School District called off classes April 8 after 39 buses were discovered with valve stem damage. All five seniors were then sent to an alternative school, but were allowed to graduate June 3. The students have apologized and agreed to pay the $3,100 in damage. The misdemeanor charges carry a sentence of up to a $500 fine.