School board member faces gun violation

BREVARD — Transylvania County school board member Mike Rogers was charged with a misdemeanor handgun violation by the High Point Police Department on Wednesday, according to a news release sent out by the school system.

Transylvania County Sheriff David Mahoney, who knows Rogers, said it was a mistake.

“I have known Mike for many years,” Mahoney said. “There is no doubt in my mind that he made an honest mistake, but I also understand the High Point officer’s reaction.”

Rogers was driving his car when he was stopped by law enforcement for turning left on a red light. Rogers made the wrong turn because he was not familiar with the area that was under road construction, according to the news release.

Rogers admitted he failed to tell the officer there was a handgun loaded with snake shot in the glove box.

The officer charged Rogers with the misdemeanor.

Mahoney said a firearm must be readily visible in an automobile unless the individual has a concealed weapon permit.

“I apologize to the community for this incident and in no way hold any hard feelings toward the department or the officer who was simply doing his job,” Rogers said Thursday.

Records indicate Rogers’ wife obtained a permit to legally purchase the gun when she bought it as a Christmas present for her husband.

Rogers owns Rogers’ Masonry of Pisgah Forest and is a member of the N.C. Sheriff’s Association and is an active supporter of the N.C. Fraternal Order of Police.