Cash Bond Set for Custodian Accused of Hiding Gun in School

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A judge has set a $5,000 cash-only bond for a Sioux Falls high school custodian accused of hiding a gun in the ceiling of a school restroom.

Twenty-five-year-old Joseph Jay Croal is charged with possession of a firearm on school premises and making a false report to authorities.

Deputy state's attorney Brooke Goodale says Croal lied to law enforcement about finding the gun and that Croal had actually hidden the gun in a men's restroom ceiling at the Career and Technical Education Academy.

The public defender's office, which is representing Croal, requested a personal recognizance bond, citing his cooperation with police.

Judge Sara Pokela said the case was "very serious" before handing down a $5,000 cash-only bond Tuesday.

The Argus Leader reports Croal is due back in court next week.

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