Schools

Teens plead no contest in school bomb threat

The Freedom High students must complete a plan that includes community service.

By COLLEEN JENKINS, Times Staff Writer
Published September 27, 2007

TAMPA - Two Freedom High School students accused this month of plotting to blow up the school pleaded no contest Wednesday to conspiracy charges.

A third student is expected to follow suit today.

Charged as juveniles, the three students were offered plea deals by the Hillsborough State Attorney's Office that included 50 hours of community service and a psychological evaluation.

If they complete the plan, their records will be clean. If they don't, Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco could impose a harsher punishment.

John Doan, 17, Mark Stapleton, 16, and a 15-year-old were arrested on charges of threatening to discharge a destructive device on school property and disrupting a school function. Prosecutors reduced the charges to one count each of conspiracy to make a threat. The Times is not identifying the 15-year-old because of his age. Stapleton and the 15-year-old pleaded no contest.

Tampa police officers interviewed the teens three times before learning they had discussed using gas from a science lab and a lighter to blow up the school. School officials said the plan was unlikely to work. The teens' attorneys played down the seriousness of the discussions and said the students had no previous trouble with the law.

But on Sept. 7, a judge ordered the students to spend three weeks in a secure facility.

John Grant, who represented the 15-year-old, said prosecutors took a smart approach to the case.

"We live in 9/11. We live in Columbine. We live in Virginia Tech," Grant said. "I think it is wise and appropriate when something like this comes out of a person's mouth to take a good look at what is said."

The students were suspended from school after their arrests. District officials said then that they planned to recommend expulsion.

On Wednesday, Grant said he was working with the school board on his client's behalf.

"They are evaluating the circumstances to determine the appropriate action," he said.

Colleen Jenkins can be reached at cjenkins@sptimes.com or 813 226-3337.

[Last modified September 27, 2007, 00:56:41]