Statement from Franklin County Sheriff’s Office:
The Office of the Sheriff announces that 17-year-old Anthony Orion Dalton was sentenced on October 8, 2025, in connection with the incident that occurred at Franklin County High School in April of this year, when he was found in possession of a loaded firearm on school grounds.
Dalton was sentenced to a total of nine (9) years of incarceration, with four (4) years suspended, leaving five (5) active years to serve. Tried as an adult, Dalton will remain housed at the Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center until he reaches the age of 18, at which time he will be transferred to an adult detention facility to serve the remainder of his sentence.
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of bringing a firearm onto school property and the life-altering consequences that can result from such actions. The swift reporting, followed by the immediate response of school staff and School Resource Deputies, prevented what could have been a tragic event.
In response to the sentencing, Sheriff Overton said that “This sentencing reflects the severity of the offense and reinforces that weapons have no place in our schools. Our School Resource Deputies play a critical role in maintaining the safety of our campuses, and their quick response—along with that of our school partners—made all the difference that day.”
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office continues to emphasize the importance of communication between parents, students, and law enforcement. Parents and guardians are urged to have ongoing conversations with their children about the dangers of weapons and the serious consequences of poor decisions.
Equally important is the message of “See Something, Say Something.”
When individuals speak up about potential threats, it allows law enforcement and school officials to act quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. The actions of the individual who reported the firearm in this case exemplify the difference one voice can make.
The post Teen sentenced following firearm incident at Franklin County High School first appeared on News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR.
