High School Student Sentenced for Threats and Possession of Firearm on School Property

Rankin County—Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett announced that Chance DePaul Smith, 19, of Brandon, MS, pled guilty to retaliation against a public servant and possession of a deadly weapon on education property, both relating to his threats against a Brandon High School teacher on September 9, 2022.

At the time of the incident, Smith was an 18-year-old high school student enrolled at Brandon High School. In addition to threatening the teacher, Smith threatened to shoot up the school in retaliation for the teacher telling him to stop yelling in the classroom. Smith was also found in possession of a fireman on campus.

Circuit Court Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced Smith to serve ten years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, with the final six years suspended.

“We hope this serious situation is a wake-up call for students and juveniles that if you choose to commit a crime, you can still be processed as an adult, in adult court, with adult sentences,” stated Bramlett. “We are thankful this incident was resolved and that the safety of everyone at the school was kept intact during this tense situation. As always, we appreciate law enforcement, school officials, and the judicial system for pulling together to ensure Smith faces the consequences for his crimes on school property.”

Defendant:

Name: Chance DePaul Smith

Date of Birth: 08/21/2004

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