Crime & Safety

Felony Dismissed Against Woman Accused of School Threat

Rachel A. Gauntner, who allegedly threatened to bring a gun to Davey Elementary, now faces a misdemeanor aggravated menacing charge.

The aggravated menacing charge brought against Rachel A. Gauntner has been reduced from a fifth-degree felony to a first-degree misdemeanor, according to the Portage County Clerk of Courts Office. 

The felony dismissal came when Gauntner appeared before Judge Barbara Oswick in Portage County Municipal Court on Feb. 11.

in a previous ruling, Oswick also prohibited Gauntner, 33, of Kent, from stepping on Davey Elementary grounds and banned her from any contact with students. 

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The same restrictions apply to Children's Advantage Counseling and Mental Health Center in Ravenna, Oswick ordered. 

Gauntner was released on her own recognizance, and will remain out of jail, for the time being, so long as the court's conditions are met. 

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Gauntner will appear before Portage County Municipal Court Judge Barbara Oswick for a pretrial on Feb. 28. 

Alleged school shooting threat

According to Kent police, Gauntner issued a violent threat on Jan. 31 while airing criticisms to a teacher about the level of education her special needs son was receiving.

The teacher and another eyewitness reported Gauntner even referenced the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, said Kent Police Lt. Jim Prusha. 

However, the teacher waited until the next morning (Feb. 1) to report the threat, saying she wanted to check with the school’s administration on how to proceed, Prusha added.

That decision, coupled with a lack of communication from the Kent City Schools about the incident, outraged parents who took to Patch's comment boards and aired their frustrations.  

Gauntner was arrested on Feb. 1, and allowed police to search her residence.

No guns were found.

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