Mokena Catholic school parents back parent/deputy at hearing on disorderly conduct charge

About 50 parents and students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Mokena showed their support Monday at a court hearing for Will County sheriff Deputy Edward Goewey, who was charged with disorderly conduct stemming from a December incident when he, while off-duty, requested school officials remove a student who allegedly made a shooting threat.

Goewey’s attorney, Bob Bodach, unsuccessfully asked Will County Judge Brian E. Barrett to dismiss the case, saying Goewey’s actions do not rise to the level of disorderly conduct.

Goewey arrived at the school, 11409 W. 195th St., Dec. 3 after learning a student stated he had planned on bringing a gun to school, according to a Mokena police report. Goewey, whose children attended the school, told school officials he did not feel the matter was addressed properly. Goewey indicated he had a concealed firearm, according to the police report.

A school administrator told Goewey he should leave the building and make an appointment with the principal, but said Goewey “felt that the student should be removed from the classroom and isolated until assurances could be made that he did not pose a threat,” according to the report.