Stepfather charged after gun found in student’s bookbag is also Lenoir Co. Emergency Services employee

LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - A stepfather and child are facing charges after a gun was found in a middle school student’s bookbag Wednesday morning, according to a county spokesperson.

Officials say the unloaded gun was recovered this morning from a student at Woodington Middle School.

School administrators found the handgun and told the school resource officer. The student was taken out of class without issue, according to county officials.

Investigators determined the gun belonged to the student’s stepfather, 29-year-old Michael Clements, of Vine Swamp Road in Lenoir County.

The county says Clements was charged with a misdemeanor count of storage of firearms to protect minors. He received a $1,000 bond.

Clements is also employed with Lenoir County Emergency Services, according to county spokesperson Bryan Hanks. He is on administrative leave while the matter is investigated.

Southwood Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Craig Jarman says Clements is also a captain with their department.

Jarman says Clements, who is on leave pending the outcome of the case, has been a member of their department for about five years and has been a captain since January.

The student, whose name is not being released, was charged with a felony count of possession of a weapon on educational property and a misdemeanor count of communicating threats, according the officials.

They were taken into secured custody.

“I also want to remind all gun owners of their responsibility to securely store firearms in a safe manner, especially when minors are present,” said Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers.