By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Middlesex County announced that a 17-year-old juvenile male pleaded guilty to offenses which, if committed by an adult, would constitute Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm on School Property, and Possession of a Ghost Gun.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said on the evening of March 17, 2025, a student from Woodbridge Township received threatening text messages from another student at Woodbridge High School.
The student who received the threats went to school the following morning and reported the threats to the school administration, MCPO officials say.
According to Middlesex County officials, the administration conducted a brief investigation during which the male’s belongings were searched, and a loaded firearm was found in his possession.
Upon the discovery of the firearm by school authorities, the Woodbridge Township Police Department was notified about the gun at approximately 8:07 a.m., Middlesex County authorities said.
Upon their arrival, MCPO officials said that law enforcement seized the firearm and took the 17-year-old male into custody.
Middlesex County officials stated that a preliminary hearing was held on March 19, 2025, where it was determined that the juvenile would remain detained.
Accoridng to MCPO officials, on May 12, the juvenile pled guilty before the Honorable Judge J. Venezia to offenses which, if committed by an adult, would constitute second-degree Possession of a Firearm for an Unlawful Purpose, third-degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm on School Property, and second-degree Possession of a Ghost Gun.
On June 9, 2025, Honorable Judge J. Venezia imposed a sentence of three years, committed to the Youth Justice Commission, formerly known as the Juvenile Justice Commission, Middlesex authorities say.