SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A man employed as a security officer at the High School of Science and Technology in Springfield was arrested July 2 for allegedly trafficking firearms.
After a months-long investigation by law enforcement, Pablo Correa, 44, was charged with six counts of possession of a firearm without a license, five counts of possession of a large capacity weapon or feeding device, two counts of defacing a firearm serial number, and possession of ammunition without a license, reports NECN.
He was arraigned the following day with prosecutors asking for $50,000 bail, reports Western Mass News. However, despite the serious charges, the court reduced Correa’s bail to $10,000, citing his employment record as a school security officer. He posted bail and was released the same day as his arraignment.
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Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni responded to the lower bail amount in a statement: “… to understand that the judge’s rationale to release this person was to return him to his employment in a high school as a security officer, is unconscionable and astounding. We will not make progress on the epidemic of gun violence when we fail to hold accountable those who are supplying guns to those who intend to commit acts of violence in our streets. Minimizing the harm associated with the alleged possession and distribution of this kind of weaponry is detrimental to public safety and puts members of law enforcement in harm’s way.”
District Places Security Officer on Paid Administrative Leave
Springfield Public School officials quickly placed Correa on paid administrative leave once they found out about the charges against him, reports WWLP.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also responded to Correa’s reduced bail amount and subsequent release from custody: “That someone with an arsenal of weapons has been released back out, not just on our streets, but sent by the court to return to work in our school system as a security guard, is extremely alarming. It is disturbing that a judge would want to lower the high bail requested by DA Gulluni and send this individual back to work with students in our school system after he’s been caught with an arsenal of weapons – it makes no sense.”
Correa will return to court on August 2.
