Oconee Co. school employee arrested after gun found in purse

By Joe Johnson

An Athens woman was arrested Thursday after being found in possession of a gun at an Oconee County school where she worked, according to the county's sheriff's office.

Early that morning, prior to school hours, it was discovered that Quandra Johnson, 36, a non-teaching staff member at Oconee County Primary School on Hog Mountain Road, left her purse on campus overnight in a staff restroom, according to a news release issued by the Oconee County Sheriff's Office.

Another employee found the purse and brought it to the front office, where it was found to contain the gun, according to the release.

The gun was secured and removed by a sheriff's deputy.

"We have no reason to believe that she had any intention of causing harm," the release stated. "As always, student and employee safety is our highest priority."

Johnson was fired from her job and charged with carrying a weapon within a school safety zone, the release noted.

As of Thursday night, she remained incarcerated without bail being set at the Oconee County Jail.