A Mission Hills man is scheduled to be arraigned next week on misdemeanor charges of keeping an unsecured weapon, which was later allegedly taken by the man’s stepson to Grant High School.
Jose Munoz, 35, is facing charges of criminal storage of a firearm carried to a public school and unlawful storage of a firearm, according to the City Attorney’s Office. He is due to be arraigned on the charges Monday.
According to prosecutors, Munoz’s 17-year-old stepson allegedly took the weapon to school on Sept. 13. A fellow student reported seeing a social media post by Munoz’s stepson showing him carrying the weapon in his waistband, according to the City Attorney’s Office. Police alter found the .45-caliber handgun in the boy’s locker, authorities said.
Prosecutors said a subsequent search of the family home turned up a backback in Munoz’s closet with an unlocked gun case, along with an unloaded handgun magazine.
“Safely storing guns saves lives, prevents crime and it’s the law,” City Attorney Mike Feuer said. “If an unsecured gun falls into the hands of a teenager and is taken to school, it’s a recipe for tragedy. This prosecution sends the strong message that gun owners are accountable for safely storing their firearms.”
Munoz faces up to a year in jail and $5,000 in fines if convicted. He could not be reached for immediate comment.
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