Delta teen gets 120-day shock treatment for high school arson

A Delta teenager jailed since late last year on arson and burglary charges faces 10 years in prison if he doesn't apply himself in a 120-day treatment program with the Missouri Department of Corrections, a judge decided Monday.

Jeriel M. Brooks, connected in January to the Delta High School fire that occurred in August, was sentenced to serve 10 years for the arson charge, two burglary charges and a stealing charge.

Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Lewis, however, assessed the shock treatment, allowing Brooks to complete a drug-treatment program at the prison.

If Brooks complies with the order and completes the program without any problems, the facility will issue a letter notifying the judge.

"If that happens, if you apply yourself in this program, in all likelihood I will order probation and you'll be released," Lewis said.

Conditions of probation would then be ordered, he added.

Brooks admitted to the burglary while jailed on separate burglary charges. He was initially arrested after breaking into a home in Whitewater, where he stole a safe and a briefcase.

He said the fire started at the high school after he dropped a lit cigarette into a pile of papers in the main office. Cash, DVDs and CDs were also stolen from the high school.

Brooks' attorney, public defender Patty Tucka, said her client was disappointed in himself, calling him a "sad, unhappy young man."

"He got messed up with some drugs," she said. "I've explained to him the option of treatment."

Brooks also addressed the court, acknowledging his bad judgment in committing the crime.

"I just ask for your help to get the treatment I need to correct my life," he said.

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