Former HPU Student Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession

Former HPU Student Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession

Paul Steber, a former High Point University student Paul Steber pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm on educational property. The university is located in North Carolina.

The student was accused of planning a campus shooting, and was arrested August 2019. Two charges were dropped as the 19-year-old student accepted a plea deal.

Prosecutor Cyrus Brown said the dropped charges included an additional possession of a firearm charge and one count of communicating threats of mass violence on educational property.

Brown said Steber will serve 24 months of supervised probation. If we violates his probation, Steber could face between five and 15 months in jail, according to the terms of the sentencing by Superior Court Judge John Craig.

His probation terms include banning Steber from High Point University's campus or from contacting university staff and students. He is also required to serve 100 hours of community service.

Steber is from Boston and Judge Craig will allow him to serve his probation in his home state of Massachusetts.

"The university understands that this plea deal continues banning the former student from all campus property and banning him from contacting any students or staff. We continue to commend the students who reported this situation, as well as the quick action taken by HPU Security and the High Point Police Department. Their quick action demonstrates caring for the campus community at its finest. Remember: If you see something, say something."

Steber was arrested after two guns and ammunition were found in his dorm room after classmates reported the weapons to campus security.

High Point Police said the freshman had a plan and timeline for a campus shooting and that Steber told them he had been making those plans since December 2018.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

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