LARNED — A Larned juvenile is facing felony juvenile charges after receiving first appearance on Thursday, March 30 in connection with an incident involving another student at Larned High School.

Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett announced that charges were filed Monday, March 27 against a 16-year old juvenile in connection with a March 7 incident at LHS.

McNett noted that on March 7, Pawnee County EMS responded to a medical emergency involving another student. The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation that is ongoing.

The juvenile, whose name will not be released, was charged with distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm, a severity level 5 person felony. In the alternative, a charge was filed of distribution of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school, a severity level 3 person felony.

Following filing of the charges, PCSO took the juvenile into custody and transported him or her to a detention facility.

McNett noted that under Kansas law, it is not a defense that the user contributed to the user’s own bodily harm or death by using the controlled substance.

The juvenile later appeared in custody before Pawnee County District Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell. Judge Cowell advised the juvenile of the charges, the possible penalties if convicted and the individual’s Constitutional rights, including right to a jury trial. 

The juvenile was then released on supervised bond pending future court appearances.