Student, stepfather charged after gun found at middle school
Update:
Mr. Clements is an employee of Lenoir County Emergency Services and has been placed on administrative leave while this incident is under investigation. Since this is a personnel matter, there will be no additional comment from the County.
Previous:
An unloaded handgun was recovered this morning while in the possession of a student at Woodington Middle School. As a result, the child and the student’s stepfather have received criminal charges from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 10:20 a.m. today, WMS officials were notified of a possible weapon on campus. School administrators immediately investigated and located the unloaded handgun in the possession of a student and notified the School Resource Officer. The firearm was secured, and the student was removed from class without incident.
Following an investigation by the LCSO, it was determined the weapon belonged to the student’s stepfather, Michael Clements, 29, of Vine Swamp Road in Lenoir County. Clements was charged with a misdemeanor count of storage of firearms to protect minors. He received a $1,000 bond.
The student was charged with a felony count of possession of a weapon on educational property and a misdemeanor count of communicating threats. The student was taken into secure custody. Due to the age of the student, no further identifying information will be released.
“I’m grateful for the quick response by Woodington Middle School staff and our deputies,” Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers said. “I also want to remind all gun owners of their responsibility to securely store firearms in a safe manner, especially when minors are present.”
The sheriff continued, “We want to assure parents and the community that safety of our students remains our top priority. We will continue to work closely with Lenoir County Public Schools to maintain a secure learning environment.”
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