GILMER, TX – On July 8, 2025, 18-year-old George Osbron Merrill III pleaded guilty to Criminal Mischief, a third-degree felony, and was sentenced to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The charges stem from a January 25, 2025, incident at Union Grove High School in Upshur County. Deputies with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of extensive damage throughout the school, including broken glass panels, shattered trophy cases, damaged televisions, ceiling tiles, water fountains, computer equipment, furniture, cameras, and restrooms.
Surveillance footage captured Merrill using a bat to destroy school property. Investigators noted that Merrill repeatedly looked into the cameras and made hand gestures, seemingly aware he was being recorded. Merrill later confessed to the vandalism, stating he did it because he was "bored."
Under a plea agreement, Merrill was also ordered to pay a $25,000 insurance deductible for the damages. The case was prosecuted by Upshur County Criminal District Attorney Billy W. Byrd and presided over by 115th District Judge Dean Fowler.
