Archive: Teen admits role in bomb scare at Wapak High School

WAPAKONETA - Jesse Mc-Dermitt is going to spend at least the next two and a half years in a juvenile detention facility.
McDermitt, 15, of St. Marys, on Thursday admitted in Auglaize County Juvenile Court to four charges stemming from the March 6 bomb scare at Wapakoneta High School.

Dressed in a red T-shirt and jeans and seated next to his parents and defense counselor Mark Weller, McDermitt admitted to three counts of illegal conveyance of a dangerous ordnance, one count of carrying a concealed weapon and a probation violation.

Additional charges of illegal conveyance of a dangerous ordnance and aggravated menacing were dropped as part of the agreement. McDermitt originally faced 10 charges in juvenile court stemming from the incident.

Judge Mark Spees ordered McDermitt placed in the custody of a juvenile detention facility for a minimum of two and a half years with a maximum of until he turns 21.

"The function of this court is to rehabilitate," Spees said. "In your case, Jesse, this is the only way that can get done."

McDermitt admitted to bringing a number of homemade explosive devices to the school, upset because he had been the subject of ridicule. Spees noted that McDermitt had been planning the incident since November 2005 and had taken notes of his research, done on a computer at his home, and that he had tested his concoctions prior to bringing the materials to the school.

According to evidence inventory cards obtained from the Wapakoneta Police Department, McDermitt had two knifes, a Walther BB gun loaded with carbon dioxide, a double-filter gas mask, a timer and power source for the main explosive device, a 2.5 ounce can of butane fuel that was not full, a full quart can of RC motor fuel as well as four 12-gauge shotgun shells in a black, nylon gym back, among other items.

One of the knives, police said, was hidden, strapped on Mc-Dermitt's arm under his shirt.

Prosecutor Edwin Pierce said the case demonstrates that individuals who pose a serious threat to those around them will be dealt with appropriately.

"We as a community have to handle these cases delicately and with the seriousness that they command," Pierce said. "An individual that purports to bring bombs onto school property will be dealt with appropriately. We're satisfied with how this case proceeded and its outcome."

The boy's parents, Vernon and Tina McDermitt, said their son had used his computer to learn how to make the explosives, but had no idea he would take them to school.

McDermitt's attorney, public defender Mark Weller, said in court the boy and his parents understood the serious nature of the charges.

"These are very serious charges," Weller said. "He takes responsibility for them."