Bremen man to be sentenced in school firearm incident

A sentencing hearing has been set for a Bremen man accused of negligently discharging a gun during a wrestling tournament at Rochester High School. 

The incident occurred on March 2, 2024, and resulted in the arrest of Scott W. Yeager, 45, of Bremen. He was charged with criminal recklessness with a firearm, possession of a firearm on school property and possession of a knife on school property, as well as possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. 

A plea agreement filed April 1 calls for Yeager to plead guilty to criminal recklessness as a Level 5 felony, with the five other charges to be dismissed. There is no agreement as to the sentence, except for a two-year cap on the executed sentence. Probation is additionally to be set by the court. 

An earlier issued press release from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office detailed the incident leading to Yeager's arrest. It indicates that School Resource Officer Rick Utter was in attendance when he was alerted of a loud noise from an individual at the sporting event, which consisted of 11 area school corporations.

Through investigation, it was discovered that Yeager was in possession of two loaded handguns inside a backpack. One of the handguns reportedly had a spent round inside.

“From what I understand, he was in his backpack getting something, moving something, and one of the guns discharged,” Fulton County Sheriff Travis Heishman later stated. 

Yeager was reportedly in the stands when it happened, and people heard the noise but had no idea what it was. Fortunately, no one was injured.

The sheriff’s office was assisted in its investigation by administrative staff of the Rochester Community School Corp.

“I applaud Deputy Rick Utter, Deputy Ryan Utter, and Deputy Ryan Haney for their quick response in handling the situation,” Heishman added. “Through their swift control of the scene, no injuries were sustained, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.”

Bremen Schools Superintendent Jim White was quick to address the incident on social media, sharing in a post that Yeager was suspected of being under the influence of an intoxicating substance at the time. Heishman later reported that he had no outward signs of intoxication.

“Allow me to apologize to the Rochester community on behalf of our school system,” White said. “This individual in no way reflects the people of Bremen nor our school system. We are thankful for your staff’s amazing efforts handling the situation and again offer our sincere apology for the incident.”

He also added that all participating athletes displayed amazing resilience by continuing with the meet.

Yeager's sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 29 at 9 a.m. in Fulton Superior Court.