Teenager sentenced to juvenile prison for bringing loaded gun to Bloomington High School

Posted on June 8, 2022
Johnson claimed he had the gun for his own safety. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – A 16-year old Bloomington boy was sentenced Wednesday to 2 1/2 years in a state prison for juveniles for bringing a loaded handgun to school.

Tayshaun Johnson was tried as an adult, and pleaded guilty to a weapons charge in April.

Johnson took a 9 mm pistol to Bloomington High School November 4 that was “uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible,” according to court documents.

Offenders younger than 18 can not be housed in adult prison.

Johnson is getting credit for time he’s already served in the McLean County Juvenile Detention Center.

Johnson claimed he had the gun for his own safety.

McLean County prosecutors recommended Judge Casey Costigan sentence Johnson to five years behind bars, while the defense asked for probation.

”If you are intent on using an illegal handgun to harm somebody or settle a dispute, I will do what I can to remove you from this community,” said State’s Attorney Don Knapp.

Knapp declined comment on Judge Costigan’s sentence.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].

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