Follow-up on Concealed Carry Post

I argues that if concealed carry were implimented, police would not have been able to stop this potential attack at Markesan Highschool:

http://jef4wi.blogspot.com/2005/06/would-this-have-been-legal-under.html

Here is the follow-up:

Man sentenced for concealed weapons

By Bethany K. Warnerof The Northwestern

A Berlin man was sentenced to six months in jail and three years probation on Wednesday for his part in bringing concealed weapons to the Markesan High School grounds during the school’s June graduation ceremony.

Jesse J. LaRue, 27, pleaded no contest in Green Lake County Circuit Court to misdemeanor charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possessing dangerous weapons on school grounds and obstructing an officer.

According to the criminal complaint LaRue and Andrew Adams, 19, drove LaRue’s car to Markesan High School. A later search of the car revealed a wooden club, an air rifle, nine knives and machetes, and 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition, according to the criminal complaint.

During the sentencing hearing, District Attorney James Camp said LaRue admitted to owning three of the knives and a dagger found in the car.

“These are weapons. They are on school property,” Judge William McMonigal said. “There is simply no place in school for weapons. If the court did not impose a significant jail sentence it would undermine the seriousness of the offense.”

A high school custodian alerted police about the men during the graduation ceremony after noticing them wearing long trench coats and acting suspiciously, the criminal complaint states. In addition to the weapons, the car also contained three masks.

Adams acknowledged carrying a 9mm pistol that was found in a search of the area, the complaint states.

Adams is charged with six offenses, including a felony for possessing a firearm in a school zone. His case is still pending and no court action is currently scheduled for that matter.

The six-month jail sentence was a point of debate in LaRue’s plea agreement. Camp argued that without jail time, the sentence would not be enough of a deterrent to LaRue or others in the community. “For that reason, I believe it cries out for jail,” Camp said.

Camp said LaRue’s intentions for the weapons were not known.

James Peebles, LaRue’s attorney, argued that LaRue’s six-month sentence should be reduced because of time served because he was not able to post bond. LaRue’s bond was set at $10,000 in June.

“Mr. LaRue is not constantly in trouble,” Peebles said. “Mr. LaRue has not had a problem with being a law-abiding citizen.”

LaRue said nothing on his own behalf when offered the opportunity during the sentencing.

His probation conditions include a mental health assessment, alcohol and drug abuse assessment and no possession of firearms.

Bethany K. Warner: (920) 426-6668 or bwarner@thenorthwestern.com.

http://www.wisinfo.com/northwestern/news/local/stories/local_22698250.shtml