New Athens mom charged after child allegedly brought gun to school

UPDATE April 29, 4 p.m. - This article was updated to include comment from the accused woman.

The mother of a child who allegedly brought a firearm to school has been charged with three misdemeanors in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Breanna B. Robison, 35, was charged Thursday, April 23, with placing a child in circumstances that could endanger the child’s life or health, a Class A misdemeanor; allowing a minor to access a firearm by unsafely storing or leaving the weapon, a Class C misdemeanor; and possessing a firearm with an expired Firearm Owner’s Identification card, a Class A misdemeanor.

New Athens Community Unit School District Superintendent Brian Karraker previously told the BND that an unloaded gun was found in a student’s backpack in the elementary wing of New Athens’ combined elementary and junior high building. He said it occurred in the late morning or early afternoon.

Another student reported the gun, Karraker said.

New Athens Police confirmed Wednesday that the charges against Robinson are related to the incident.

In a private message to the BND, Robinson said the gun was an “inoperable antique shelved collectable gun.”

While Karraker stressed the situation was handled immediately, parents criticized the school’s response at a special board meeting Thursday. Multiple parents cited what they called “vague” communication from the school — saying they were not notified until after the school day ended — and pushed for updated policies. Some advocated for age-appropriate gun safety education.

Karraker confirmed this week that elementary and junior high Principal Stephanie Kennedy is on leave but declined to share the reason. Kennedy has not been charged in connection with the incident.

Robison is out on bond, provided she appears in court at 9 a.m. Friday, June 5.

This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 2:19 PM.