Decorah man pleads guilty to charges stemming from carrying a gun near Crossroads Academy

58-year-old Joseph Gallagher of Decorah was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday on charges stemming from an April 2016 incident in which he allegedly carried a gun near Crossroads Academy in Decorah.

Instead, Gallagher has entered guilty pleas to three criminal charges.

Decorah Police took Gallagher into custody in April after receiving reports from teachers that he had made suicidal comments to them, such as "Have you ever watched someone commit suicide?"  Teachers took students inside, then heard gunshots from outside the school.  However, police later found Gallagher at his home and took him into custody.

Gallagher had been charged with Carrying Weapons, an aggravated misdemeanor; 3rd Degree Harassment, a simple misdemeanor; and Reckless Use of a Firearm, also a simple misdemeanor.  He has now entered guilty pleas to all three charges.

The plea agreement reached with prosecutors called for a one year jail sentence, with all but 50 days suspended; $844 in fines; two years on probation; and having a mental health evaluation.