Opinion ID: 853073
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: School Property

Text: French contends that there was no evidence to support the proposition that St. Bartholomew Preschool was school property for purposes of the enhancement provided by Indiana Code section 35-48-4-1 for dealing within 1000 feet of a school. Section 35-41-1-24.7 provides, in relevant part, that the term school property includes a building or other structure owned or rented by ... [a] private school (as defined in IC 20-9.1-1-3). Section 20-9.1-1-3 defines a private school as any school which is not supported and maintained by funds realized from the imposition of a tax on property, income or sales. The Director of St. Bartholomew Preschool testified that the preschool is part of the St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church. She testified that the school was a private school, did not receive state funding, and was privately sponsored by the church. She also stated that the children at the school range in age from twenty months to six years; they learn their numbers and alphabet, sing songs, go on field trips, and play. She testified that the building in which the school is located is owned by the parish. French contends that based on this information, one may speculate that St. Bartholomew was nothing more than a church run babysitting service. We disagree. We think that this kindergarten level institution falls within the definition of school property. In any event, the information charged French with dealing in cocaine within 1000 feet of a school or park. French has made no argument that the evidence was insufficient to show that Wilson Street Park was a park. Consequently, the enhancement to a Class A felony was proper.