Mount Clemens, MI – A Macomb County Sheriff’s Office investigation into firearms found in a student’s vehicle at a charter school has resulted in misdemeanor charges against the student and both parents, according to authorities.
According to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on October 11, 2025, after deputies learned a student at Merritt Academy allegedly had firearms inside a vehicle parked on school property two days earlier.
Investigators said the student had reportedly made concerning statements to classmates that were relayed to the student’s mother, Kendra Kneer, who was serving as the school’s dean of students at the time. Authorities allege the school resource officer assigned to Merritt Academy was not notified about the situation.
The sheriff’s office said Kendra Kneer allegedly kept the student in her office while checking the vehicle for firearms. Investigators further allege the student’s father, William Kneer, contacted a family friend to remove the firearms from the vehicle before law enforcement was notified. School staff later informed the sheriff’s office about the incident.
Following an extensive investigation by the sheriff’s office Youth Bureau that included multiple interviews and search warrants, the case was presented to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office on January 16, 2026, which authorized charges.
William Kneer was arraigned on July 20, 2026, on two counts of firearms safe storage violations, both 93-day misdemeanors.
Kendra Kneer was arraigned the same day on two counts of weapon-free schools—possessing a weapon, along with one count of firearms safe storage violations, all 93-day misdemeanors.
The student was petitioned through the Circuit Court Family Division on two counts of weapon-free schools—possessing a weapon, also 93-day misdemeanor offenses.
William and Kendra Kneer were each released on $500 bond. The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
