Campus Security officers find a firearm, three airsoft guns and 253 grams of marijuana in two freshman’s dorm room.
Late at night on Oct. 30 the Tulsa Police Department arrested two University of Tulsa football players in their dorm room for weapons and illegal substance possession at John Mabee Hall. A strong smell of marijuana in the area near the room in question alerted Campus Security officers. After knocking and entering, the Campus Security officers confirmed the presence of marijuana and noticed a Kel-Tec SUB-2000 9 mm rifle.
While the security officers detained the two occupants, TPD officers arrived with a warrant to search the room. The officers found 253 grams of marijuana and three airsoft handguns in addition to the 9 mm rifle.
The two individuals in the room, Lazarus May and Korey King, were both redshirt freshman for the TU football team as a defensive end and wide receiver, respectively. They have since been released from their positions and are in the Tulsa County Jail on $15,000 bond each with charges for possession with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Possession of marijuana on TU campus is prohibited. Medical or otherwise, marijuana is not allowed and will be confiscated by Campus Security if found. In larger amounts, TPD can be called in, and the individual possessing the substance will be charged with possession with intent to distribute — a felony. Both May and King have been charged such, which, if convicted, carries a maximum sentence of five years in a Department of Corrections facility and a fine up to $20,000.
The University of Tulsa can also enforce punishments in relation to their continued enrollment therein. Both Campus Security Captain James Palmer and Marketing and Communications spokesperson Mona Chamberlain stated that their hands were tied in confirming or denying details relating to the investigation due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which reserves the right to privacy for the students in question and their family. Personal information (PI) cannot be released to the public.
However, TU confirmed in a public statement that the two individuals have been released from the football team. Chamberlain has also stated that one of the two individuals is no longer enrolled at the University of Tulsa.
The Student Code of Conduct disallows airsoft guns, similar to the possession of marijuana. The firearm, while remaining in compliance with federal and state regulations, is prohibited in school buildings, including university housing.
This leads back to the charges. With possession with intent to distribute classified as a felony, both May and King were charged with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Oklahoma and Tulsa law follow a very broad definition of “use,” with merely having a replica of a weapon during the crime in action qualifying for this charge. With the rifle in their possession, May and King both face, if convicted, between two and 10 years in prison in addition to the sentences served by the first charge.
Chamberlain, while constrained by legal codes, released in a statement that, “The university takes the safety of its students, faculty and staff very seriously.”
