Student with shotgun on campus placed on University probation

By: Staff reports

Posted: 5/14/08

A student who was charged with possession of a weapon on school property last month has been placed on probation by the University's Office of Judicial Programs.

University Police found a 12-gauge turkey shotgun in a white 2003 Chevrolet Silverado truck belonging to Jess Stuart McNeill, from Americus, in late April. He parked on campus to attend an event after spending the weekend hunting and forgot the weapon was in his truck.

It is illegal to possess a weapon within 1,000 feet of school property.

The informal resolution agreement from the OJP, obtained by The Red & Black through an open records request, found McNeill responsible for violating the University code of conduct, but did not suspend or dismiss him. Instead, McNeill was given a reprimand and placed on one-year probation. McNeill graduated in May, but is returning to the University to attend graduate school, the agreement states. McNeill will be suspended for a least a semester if found in violation of the weapon policy again.

McNeill may still face a felony charge from Athens-Clarke County.