Student gets probation, suspended sentence for gun found in backpack at Perry High School

CANTON ‒ A boy who took a 9mm handgun to Perry High School on March 13 has been put on probation until he turns 18.

Stark County Family Court Magistrate Priscilla J. Cunningham also gave him a six-month suspended sentence in the Ohio Department of Youth Services, and a 90-day sentence in the Multi-County Juvenile Attention Center.

She gave the boy credit for eight days already spent in the attention center and suspended the remaining 82 days. He could be required to serve the time if he violates terms of his probation.

The student, who was 16 at the time of the offense, was found delinquent after pleading "true," the juvenile equivalent of guilty, to a charge of carrying concealed weapons.

At the request of Assistant Stark County Prosecutor Joshua Guedea, the magistrate dismissed a charge of illegal possession of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone.

As a condition of his probation, the boy is to obey all local, state, and federal laws. He is to cooperate with all service providers and any mentoring programs. His mother was told to enroll him in school and a summer credit recovery program.

Defense attorney Katie Shoemaker said the teen took responsibility for the incident and was apologetic to the school and officials.

The court record indicates the teen has a job.

The boy had the gun in a backpack, according to the complaint filed by the Perry Township Police Department.

He was taken into custody after a school resource officer discovered the student with the firearm while conducting regular duties. The officer immediately secured the weapon without incident or injuries, Police Chief Bryan Taylor said on March 13.

The district has as zero-tolerance policy regarding the possession of any weapon on school grounds.

March 13: Authorities take Perry High student into custody after gun brought to school

June 2023 case: Men who ambushed and shot at Canton police officers guilty of attempted murder

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Boy gets probation, suspended sentences for taking gun to Perry High