Juvenile Detained For Gun Clip at School
On Tuesday, May 3, just before 8 a.m., the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for service involving a student with a weapon at the Jasper County Middle School.
Deputies arrived on scene at approximately 8:02 a.m., and were able to identify, locate and detain the suspect by approximately 8:12 a.m.
After searching the student’s belongings, he was found to be in possession of a 50 round drum magazine that was manufactured for a 9mm handgun. No handgun was found in the student’s possession, nor on the Middle School campus at any time during this incident.
The Middle School remained in lockdown until law enforcement was able to locate and secure the firearm in question.
During the course of the investigation into this incident it was determined that the student did have access to a handgun, specifically a 9mm handgun that was owned by his stepfather. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office was able to make contact with the stepfather and locate the handgun at approximately 9:36 a.m.
Once the firearm was located the Middle School entered into a soft lockdown, and students were slowly allowed to go to the restroom or be checked out. Many parents chose to check their student out for the remainder of the day.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office maintained a presence at the Middle School throughout the rest of the school day and will maintain a presence as long as needed.
John O’Berry (stepfather) of Monticello, was subsequently arrested by Morgan County Sheriff’s Office and was charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
The student is a juvenile, and will be charged with Disruption of Public School, additional charges are possible, but the case is still under investigation at this time.
Jasper County School Superintendent Kenny Garland released a statement to parents and other stakeholders at 8:53 a.m.:
“This morning, the Jasper County Sheriff Department responded to a 911 call at the Jasper County Middle School. Law enforcement quickly arrived at the campus and secured the premises. The school entered into a lockdown and a student has been taken into custody. While the school is remaining on a lockdown as a precaution, law enforcement is present throughout the facility. All students and staff are safe in their classrooms.”
Later he released the news that the school was now back to a normal schedule, and also said law enforcement would remain on scene, but normal operations are in place and all extracurricular events will continue as planned.
Tuesday afternoon, the superintendent said:
“I would like to emphasize the great job by our students and staff in adhering to the safety guidelines we have put in place for an event such as this which occurred today. Everyone was very cooperative during a stressful time. Our story today ends on a positive note as we move forward in completing the year.”
Last Tuesday, April 26, a Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deputy was dispatched to the area of Larry’s 4 Way. Upon arrival the deputy discovered a female subject passed out on a picnic table. After further investigation, methamphetamine and a bag of capsule pills were discovered in the subject’s purse. Mindy Jean Hawthorne, 42, of Loganville was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.
Other persons arrested by the JCSO in the last week include:
•Mark Joseph Bower, 65, Lake Forest, CA—DUI-driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to maintain lane, open container of alcohol.
•Christy Elaine Ladner, 40, Monroe—violation of family treatment court.
•Steven Tyler Rosser, 26, McDonough—failure to appear for fingerprintable charge (three counts).
•Brett Michael Rosser, 27, Covington—probation violation, false statements and writing; conceal facts or fraudulent documents, driving while license suspended or revoked.
•Richard Lee Williams, 56, Newborn—probation violation, open container of alcohol, operation of vehicle on approach of authorized emergency vehicles, tail lights, driving while license suspended or revoked.
•Humberto Perdomo Ramos, 48, Covington—failure to stop at stop sign, driving without a valid license.
•Tommy Lee Kell, 24, Eatonton—probation violation.
•Chelse Brooke Chrisley, 37, Jackson—simple battery (family violence).
•Devin Dewayne Delee, 32, homeless—driving without license.
•Kenneth John Christenson, III, 34, Monticello—driving without a valid license.
•Sydney Lynn Brock, 31, Monticello—probation violation, possession of methamphetamine, stopping, standing, or parking prohibited in specified place, DUI – driving under the influence of drugs.
•Madeline Ruth Kiker, 23, Jenkinsburg—failure to maintain lane, DUI – driving under the ifluence of alcohol.
•Susan Yvonne Tallent, 55, Monticello—criminal trespass, simple battery.
•Matthew Scott Baldwin, 23, Porterdale—failure to appear for a fingerprintable charge.
•Tyler Dwayne Mitchell, 27, Newborn—possession of marijuana less than an ounce, brake lights and turn signals required, driving while license suspended or revoked.
•Jaylin Tyree Cortez Thurman, 28, Monticello—probation violation.
