Teacher's Aide Accused Of Bringing Gun To School Is Fired

WEST NYACK, NY — The Rockland BOCES teacher’s aide who was charged with bringing a loaded gun to school Wednesday has been fired. School officials at the Jesse J. Kaplan School said Thursday that Warwick resident Gillian L. Jeffords, 24, was let go effective immediately.

A restraining order was granted on behalf of BOCES against Jeffords, which bars her from being on school property and contact with students, families and staff, lohud.com said.

About 9 a.m. Wednesday, Clarkstown police responded to the school after a staff member noticed a handbag that contained a 9mm handgun in a faculty closet.

When the weapon was found, there were only staff members in the classroom.

At no point was the weapon displayed or used in a threatening manner, authorities said.

Jeffords was charged with felony criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds.

She was released on an appearance ticket to return to Clarkstown Criminal Court May 7.

Read Lohud.com here.

Photo credit: Clarkstown Police Department.