An East Franklin Elementary fourth-grade teacher is facing a felony charge for allegedly bringing a firearm to campus.
According to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 12 a school resource officer reported an employee had brought a firearm to East Franklin Elementary.
“The weapon was discovered by another individual in an unattended purse inside the school, outside the presence of its owner, underscoring the seriousness of this incident,” Macon County Sheriff Brent Holbrook stated in a Friday, Dec. 13, follow-up.
The magistrate’s order says the gun was a Kimber 1911 .45 caliber.
Following an investigation, that employee, Jennifer Smith, 37, a fourth-grade teacher, was charged with one felony count of a weapon on campus or other educational property.
“After a thorough investigation, it is our belief that there was no threat to the school or any persons at any point,” MCSO stated.
When reached on Friday, Dec. 13, Smith declined to comment.
Holbrooks said while Smith “is a respected member of our community, it is essential to emphasize that weapons are strictly prohibited on school grounds, with the exception of law enforcement officers.”
Major Jonathan Phillips confirmed Smith has a concealed carry license but noted the license does not include educational facilities. Phillips declined to say if the gun was loaded. Smith was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.
According to Macon County Schools spokesperson Renee Burt, Smith was suspended with pay pending investigation. The school board did not take any action on Smith’s employment at its scheduled Dec. 16 meeting.
Smith’s next court date is Thursday, Dec. 19. Possessing a weapon on campus or other educational property in North Carolina is a Class I felony, with a presumptive sentencing range of between three and eight months in prison, according to state statute, for first-time offenders.