Margaretville Teacher & Student Charged After A BB Gun Found On School Grounds

By Mary A. Crisafulli

MARGARETVILLE - Margaretville Central School District Teacher Jennifer Sobas-Sands and an 18-year-old unidentified student were charged with endangering the welfare of a child following an investigation by New York State Police. Sobas-Sands was also charged with official misconduct.

Police responded to a call at the district on April 1 regarding a report that a student brought a BB gun into school.

"An investigation determined that on March 27, 2025, an 18-year-old student brought a BB gun on school grounds and it was observed by another student and teacher inside his backpack," said Troop C Public Information Officer Aga Tinker, "The student did not make any threats towards others." Sobas-Sands failed to report the incident, according to the police report.

The student has already been arraigned and Sobas-Sands is scheduled to appear at Middletown Town Court on May 22.

District Attorney Shawn Smith said the police have yet to confirm the item was a BB gun and not a real gun. "We are all operating under that assumption based on the description we received, being a BB gun that mimics the looks of a real pistol," he said, "However, I will feel better once the police recover the gun." Smith confirmed that Sobas-Sands is alleged to have discovered the item while the student was in her classroom at which point she asked them to leave with the gun.

Trooper Tinker said although a search warrant was obtained for the student's residence efforts to locate the BB gun there and other locations failed.

Following the initiation of the investigation the Board of Education placed Sobas-Sands on paid administrative leave. Superintendent Michell Osterhoudt could not comment on the details of the personnel matter. Instead, she assures the public the district is cooperating with law enforcement. "The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority," said Osterhoudt. The administrative leave is pending the outcome of the investigation by district policy.

"We understand that situations like this may raise concerns within our school community," said Osterhoudt, "The district is taking appropriate steps to address the matter and is working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough review."