A now-17-year-old who brought a loaded gun to Preble High School has been sentenced to a secure juvenile facility instead of prison. The teen will be released from the facility when he turns 18. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The former Preble High School student who brought a loaded gun and ammunition to school earlier this year will remain at a secure youth facility until he turns 18 years old.
The decision was formalized by a Brown County judge during a sentencing hearing Tuesday afternoon.
While juvenile court proceedings are closed to the public, there is an exception to allow the media to cover such hearings, with the condition the juvenile and their family members not be identified.
In a statement read by his attorney, the now-17-year-old said he knows he was wrong to bring a gun to school. He was 16 when the incident occurred.
I also wanted to apologize for what I’ve done. Please give me a chance. I won’t let you down. I also wanted to say I’m sorry to everyone at the school and the parents.
Instead of sentencing him to prison, Judge Beau Liegeois approved a recommendation to send the teen to a secure juvenile facility in Wisconsin, where he is receiving schooling and treatment. State officials told Liegeois that, after being moved to the facility early last month, the teen is following the rules.
According to Jason Halbach, a case manager with Brown County, “He is working on programming specifically in the ARP program, which is the Aggression Replacement Training Program. It’s a 10-week course. There’s three different sections which include social skills stemming, moral reasoning and responsible behaviors. He’s addressing those things currently.”
Liegeois ruled the teen will have to stay at the facility until he turns 18.
“I think you understand how serious the offense was. You’re obviously getting a secure penalty for it, being in a secure prison facility for juveniles. And that is what’s required to meet your rehabilitative needs. Sounds like you’re taking advantage of all the programming being offered to you,” said Liegeois.
Last month, as part of a plea agreement that kept the case in juvenile court, the teen pleaded no contest to felony possession of a firearm on school grounds. If he violates any conditions of the agreement, his case will be moved to adult court — and additional charges could be reinstated.
Liegeois added, “So, the whole point of all of this is that you never re-offend in the juvenile justice system or in the adult justice system ever again for the rest of your life. You grow up, you get a job, you be productive, you have a family that you raise yourself.”
The teen told the judge he understands what he needs to do and promised to change.
The gun incident led to changes in school security in Green Bay schools. All students in middle school and high school are now required to only carry clear backpacks, and further safety measures continue to be discussed.
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