We previously published the Austin County Sheriff’s Office press release on the runaway problem with the Five Oaks Facility in New Ulm (See HERE for Release). The facility’s representatives then testified before the Austin County Commissioners Court (See HERE) with the expectation of a resolution.
But, on March 1, 2015 at 8:16 p.m., the Austin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of two juveniles that ran away from the Five Oaks Achievement Center located in New Ulm again.
It was reported that the two juveniles ran away from the Five Oaks facility at 7:55 p.m. and were believed to be headed to the Industry area. At 11:43 p.m. on March 1, 2015, the two runaways were located in front of Lindemann’s Store and when approached by Austin County Sheriff’s Deputies, they ran, but were quickly apprehended. It was also discovered that the two juveniles entered a garage, stole some items, consumed alcohol and also took an item out of a parked car. The next day, March 2, 2015 at 3:12 p.m., the same two juveniles and one other juvenile ran away from Five Oaks Achievement Center and again, Austin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded. On March 2, 2015, all three juveniles were found at 241 Railroad Street, in New Ulm, taken into custody and returned to Five Oaks at 5:14 p.m.
“Again, this is unacceptable. It isn’t if someone will get hurt, it’s a matter of when. I will for the third time, again, file an official complaint with the State of Texas concerning a violation of minimum standards at a residential facility. Also, I plan to furnish each Commissioner and County Judge all information concerning Five Oaks Achievement Center and request them to contact State Officials to file an official complaint concerning this matter,” says Sheriff Brandes.
