A 26-year-old woman has been sentenced to seven days in jail and two years of probation after being convicted of third-degree terroristic threatening and second-degree disorderly conduct. Denise Gillman was found guilty by a jury on June 25, following a three-day trial.
Gillman's convictions stem from an incident that occurred at South Oldham High School in January 2024, where she allegedly caused a disturbance after her foster child was accused of not doing his classwork. Witnesses testified during the trial that Gillman put her hands around her then-foster child's neck and pulled Principal Melissa Woosley by the arm.
Gillman had faced several charges related to the incident, including first-degree wanton endangerment, third-degree assault of a school employee, fourth-degree assault, child abuse, and alcohol intoxication in a public place. However, she was acquitted on these charges.
The maximum possible sentence for Gillman's convicted charges was 15 months in jail and a $750 fine. In addition to her jail time and probation, Vice Chief Regional Circuit Judge Jerry D. Crosby II required Gillman to undergo evaluation for alcohol abuse and ordered that she stay away from South Oldham High School. Gillman received credit for the one day in jail she spent when she was arrested in 2024.
The Commonwealth Attorney's office released a statement following the sentencing, expressing respect for the court's decision and appreciation for the jury's verdict. They emphasized the importance of accountability for misconduct involving vulnerable individuals and school personnel.
**Background**
This incident highlights concerns about the mistreatment of foster children and school administrators. The case has sparked discussion on the need for stricter regulations and consequences for such behavior.