Mother of UMES student says accountability is due on campus

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Cherise Burnette is speaking out following an incident at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore that she said landed her son, Jaylynn Mendez, in jail.

On June 16th, she said Jaylynn was playing basketball in the Tawes Gym, when he was allegedly asked to leave early by assistant building manager, Allen B. Davenport.

“Jaylynn went to go collect his belongings, which was his phone and his book bag, and Davenport elbowed my son in the face,” said Cherise.

According to charging documents, a physical altercation ensued. The documents claim, “Mendez threw a couple swings at Davenport, aggressively charged Davenport, causing Davenport to fall to the floor, and Mendez began assaulting Davenport to face and head region, multiple times.”

But Cherise is defending her son’s actions.

“He attacked my son and then my son defended himself,” said Cherise.

UMES officials stated, “The University followed internal procedures, cooperated with law enforcement, and the incident has been adjudicated in a court of law.”

Jaylynn is serving a six-month sentence for assault in the second degree. Cherise is calling for to university to also hold Davenport accountable.

“It’s not fair, my son does not belong there. I sent him to college for education,” said Cherise.