The massive Florida teen who slammed and beat a teacher’s aide unconscious after she took his video game console away pleaded no contest Monday to the offense.
State court records show that Brendan Depa, 18, could face up to 30 years behind bars after accepting punishment on a felony charge of aggravated battery on an elected official or education employee.
The open plea taken by Depa means that sentencing could also be as lenient as probation or treatment.
The presiding judge said a January sentencing hearing will determine the severity of Depa’s punishment.
The teen’s February assault went viral after surveillance cameras at Matanzas High School, between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, caught him charging into and throwing the teacher’s aide, Joan Naydich, to the ground.
Depa, who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 270 pounds, then punched and kicked Ms. Naydich as she lay unconscious.
News outlets reported at the time that Ms. Naydich took away Depa’s Nintendo Switch console in class, which infuriated the teen.
The then-17-year-old Depa was charged as a juvenile before the charges were upgraded to a first-degree felony as an adult.
Charging documents from Depa’s arrest said the teen spit in the direction of Ms. Naydich and threatened to kill her as he was led away in handcuffs.
Depa was a special needs student at Matanzas High and was diagnosed with autism.
He had three prior arrests for battery before the assault on Ms. Naydich.
Depa is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 31.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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