(FILE Photo/The Jackson Sun)SAVANNAH, Tenn. (AP) - The Hardin County schools director has been fined $50 and must surrender his handgun permit.
The Jackson Sun reported the sentencing of John Thomas came Tuesday in Savannah on his June 26 conviction for carrying a pistol into a middle school. The jury found the 57-year-old Thomas guilty of the misdemeanor charge of carrying a firearm in a school without intent to use it.
Judge Donald Parish also sentenced Thomas on Tuesday to 40 hours of community service and he must take a remedial class in handgun safety. Thomas also has five months of supervised probation.
Thomas said he forgot to leave the holstered gun in his car as he visited the school for a photo November 15. He apologized in court and said the incident embarrassed him.
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