DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett authorized charges against a 12 year old middle school student for bringing a semi automatic handgun to school.  The charges are contained in a juvenile petition.  The minor is currently being detained at the DuPage County Youth Home and will appear sometime tomorrow in Juvenile Court for a detention hearing.

Late this morning school officials received a tip that a student had a dangerous weapon in her possession.  After a brief investigation by school officials, a weapon was located in the student’s locker, and authorities were contacted.  After investigating the incident, the Aurora Police contacted the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding further action.  All evidence was reviewed, and State’s Attorney Birkett authorized various weapons charges against the minor.

State’s Attorney Birkett praised the young student who came forward to school officials with information about a possible weapon on school grounds.   “In order to maintain the safety of all students in our schools, we need the cooperation of everyone, including our students.  This child is to be commended for their immediate actions.” 

The Juvenile Court Act prohibits the disclosure of the minor offender’s name and other identifying information. 

Members of the public are reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of a defendant’s guilt.  A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.