Special to the North San Antonio Times

A Bexar County grand jury has failed to find sufficient evidence to charge a Trinity University student with a crime in connection with a weapons violation on campus. The “no bill” effectively clears the student of any criminal wrongdoing.

The charges originated from an incident in December 2007 when Trinity’s Department of Campus Security and San Antonio police were notified about guns and ammunition found in a residential hall and campus parking lot at the end of the fall semester.

Police investigated the incident and turned over their findings to the Bexar County district attorney’s office. At about the same time, a judicial hearing was held on campus. The University Conduct Board suspended the student for one semester for violating university policy relating to weapons possession on campus. In April, the district attorney presented the case to the grand jury. After hearing the evidence, the grand jury decided the case did not warrant criminal prosecution.

“The university does not have a position on this, as our function is to enforce and uphold campus policies,” said David Tuttle, dean of students and director of residential life. As specified in the Student Conduct Code, “The carrying or possession of any type of weapon or firearm on the premises of Trinity University is strictly prohibited.”

When the student’s suspension ends, he may apply for reinstatement to the university.