Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor and Franklin Township Chief of Police Richard Grammar announced that a 17-year-old Franklin Township juvenile was taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on Mar. 15th at approximately 3:15 p.m., Franklin Township Alternative School officials received information that a 17-year-old male student attending the Alternative School program at the Middle School was alleged to be in possession of a firearm and narcotics while attending classes on school grounds.
As a result of receiving this information, the Alternative School Administrator immediately contacted and relayed same to Franklin Township Police who immediately responded to the Middle School along with detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
Prosecutor Robertson further stated that upon the arrival of responding officers they met with the school officials and immediately made contact with the juvenile who was escorted, along with his belongings, to an office and subsequently transported to Franklin Township Police Department.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that detectives obtained a Superior Court Search Warrant for permission to search a back pack belonging to the student. Upon conducting the search, a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun was recovered from inside the back pack, along with drug paraphernalia on the juvenile.
Police arrested the juvenile and charged him with second degree, unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth degree, possession of a weapon by a person under the age of 21, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly person offense.
Officials said the juvenile was lodged at the Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that the initial investigation by law enforcement revealed that there were no known threats to the students or faculty.
Prosecutor Robertson commended the quick response and dissemination of information between Franklin Township School officials and Somerset County law enforcement agencies resulting in the quick recovery of the firearm without incident.
The charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.