It’s one of the most despicable crimes and an Oxford father is looking to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Jeff Bailey is offering a $200 reward for the successful identification of three high school-age girls who threatened his 12-year-old daughter on Halloween night, then stole her candy.
‘If I can bring these girls to justice and let their parents know, I’ll give whoever comes forward (with their names) $200,? he said. ‘They traumatized five seventh-graders. I had a pretty scared daughter.?
The theft occurred around 6:45 p.m. in the Waterstone development at Franklin Lake Circle and Sandhurst St.
It all started when Jamie Bailey, a seventh-grader at OMS, was trick-or-treating with another girl and three boys from her grade and the group accidentally ‘bumped into? three high school-age girls.
Two of the high school girls were wearing motocross helmets and jerseys, while the other was dressed in a pink tutu and black sweatshirt. These girls called the seventh-graders some names and went on their way.
‘They were definitely high school girls because they made a reference to ‘you little punk freshmen,?? Jeff said.
A few minutes later, the seventh-graders encountered the high school trio again.
A misunderstanding ensued and, according to Jeff, ‘that’s when the intimidation began.?
One of the high school girls ‘got right in their faces? and ‘threatened to hit them.?
This girl then stole Jamie’s candy and ran off.
‘She was the only one who had her candy stolen,? Jeff said. ‘She was pretty scared.?
After Jamie called her father, Jeff went looking for the girls, but was unable to find them.
‘I’m pretty glad we did not find them,? he said. ‘I was furious. If I’d have found them, I’d probably be arrested right now.?
These high school bandits stole more than his daughter’s candy; they also tainted his view of the community.
‘I’ve always thought that I’m safe in Oxford because it gives me this hometown feel,? he said. ‘I don’t have that feeling anymore. It gives me this feeling that I have to now be more protective of my daughters. It just makes me fear for my daughters to think that there’s thugs out there that would steal candy and threaten seventh-graders.?
If these girls are caught, Jeff is hopeful that their parents will dole out some punishment.
Upon further reflection, Jeff also wants the girl who stole the candy to get some professional assistance in the form of either therapy or anger management.
He said having this much anger at such an early age is a symptom of a larger problem that could get worse later in life.
‘I look at this and see her as someone who needs help,? Jeff said. ‘Every kid deserves to be understood and heard.?
Anyone with information regarding the identities of these three high school girls are asked to please e-mail Jeff Bailey at jeffwbailey@charter.net.