It’s hard to know for sure, but it looks to us like Andrew Despres might be a Rambo wanna-be. Not that that’s illegal. Yet. Unfortunately, when the Fitchburg State University (Massachusetts) student posted the above photo of himself holding what looks like a ninth grade woodshop class replica rifle slung around his neck along with two airsoft guns and a bandolier of plastic ammo (not to mention the impressive drawn-on six pack), it caught the attention of FSU’s deputy dawgs. And now the former Eagle scout’s wearing an orange jumpsuit waiting for his family to raise bail money . . .
When campus security came a-knockin’, they found some contraband. From telegram.com:
The FSU sophomore was expelled Dec. 17 under the school’s zero-tolerance policy for allegedly possessing marijuana, knives and firecrackers on school grounds. He also was suspected of defacing property in a dorm bathroom. He was told he needed to notify campus police if he intended to return to campus.
(Assistant District Attorney Joseph A.) Simmons said a fake gun, a box cutter and other items found in Mr. Despres’ dorm room were props for films he had created at Fitchburg State.
Mr. Despres returned to school the day Dec. 18 to retrieve some belongings and was arrested on charges of trespassing and possession of ammunition.
Despres has been charged with “possessing a military ammunition belt.” Just one problem: mom says the ammo is fake.
. . . Simmons said test results on the (ammo) belt have not been returned . . . Mr. Simmons argued for the $50,000 bail to remain in place . . . Prosecutors portrayed Mr. Despres as the next murderous student prepared to go on a rampage.
Judge Richard Tucker, however, recognized the whole megillah for the post-Newton overreaction it is and reduced Despres’s bail to $500.
“He’s such a good kid. He wouldn’t hurt a fly,” Barbara Despres said. “I think it was just a little too much. The belt was fake.”