In a recent turn of events, former Fitzgerald Public Schools Superintendent Hollie Lyn Stange has pleaded guilty to weapon possession on school property. According to ClickOnDetroit, Stange's admittance to the misdemeanor came after charges of marijuana possession were dropped back in September. The incident, occurring within 1,000 feet of Fitzgerald High School, also involved the school's former Food Services Director Amanda Carroll sharing what police alleged was a marijuana blunt with Stange.
Stange's plea agreement, as obtained by the Detroit Free Press, includes a stipulation that upon completing an 11-month advisement period, the case will be dismissed. The former superintendent, charged with possessing a .22-caliber rifle in her vehicle, was sentenced to pay $150 in fines and required to forfeit the firearm. Stange's lawyer claimed victory, stating that "this is a tremendous victory for Miss Stange," and emphasizing that the outcome allows her to avoid a protracted legal battle and start to move forward.
The ordeal began back in December 2024 when Warren police officers reported seeing Stange and Carroll engaging in the act of smoking in Carroll's SUV. Stange left the scene in her vehicle, which after being stopped by the police, led to the discovery of the rifle wrapped in a blanket in the rear seat. Despite initially facing multiple charges, Stange's legal entanglements have largely been settled, with Chief Judge John Chmura presiding over the dismissals and the eventual guilty plea for the weapons charge, as reported by newmediadetroit.
Addressing the resolution of Stange's case, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated, "It is deeply unfortunate that a school superintendent, someone entrusted with setting the standard for safety and leadership, would bring a weapon onto school grounds." Despite the imposition of fines and forfeiture, no jail time has been announced in the plea deal, as stated by newmediadetroit.
Once a respected educator, Stange has faced the ramifications of the charges brought against her within this legal quagmire. In her own words, found in the Detroit Free Press, Stange remarked, "This incident has cost me my career that I deeply loved. I am proud of the years I spent serving the community and the students and educators that I had the privilege of working with." Now, after the resolution of her case, she looks to rebuild and step towards a brighter future, as per Detroit Free Press.
