Two parent chaperones accused of hurling epithets at dirty dancers at a Manitou Springs prom won’t face a jury after all.
Jennifer Farmer and Hannah Rockey, of Manitou Springs, will get off with an apology and a cash donation to the Manitou Springs High School prom fund.
Prosecutors on Friday dismissed harassment charges against the pair, both 42, after they agreed to those conditions in an out-of-court mediation program, said lead prosecutor Charles Greenwood, who pointed out that the most shocking allegation — that the pair sprayed Lysol during the April 21 dance — was in dispute.
Turns out they claimed it was Febreze, Greenwood said — a fabric deodorant.
The pair were accused of calling students “sluts and whores” while breaking up what they called suggestive dancing at the prom, held at Manitou Springs City Hall, according to a Manitou Springs police report.
Eight children were reportedly hit when someone used the deodorant spray during the encounter, the report said, noting the substance “got on their clothing, mouth and eyes.”
The case drew condemnation from parents and attracted notice from the New York Daily News and other outlets, which put a comical spin on the tale.
The students and chaperones agreed to participate in the District Attorney’s Office’s Neighborhood Justice Center, which seeks resolution in cases when court punishment isn’t appropriate.
“It’s my understanding that they have to apologize to everyone privately, and they will be issuing a public apology through the media shortly,” Greenwood said. He declined to disclose the amount of the donation.
Tim Miller, assistant superintendent for Manitou Springs School District 14, said he has yet to be notified about a donation to the prom fund.
Farmer and Rockey and their attorneys didn’t respond to phone messages sent Friday requesting comments on the incident.
