18-Year-Old James Loux Arrested at Montecito High On Deadly Weapon Charges

James Sterling Loux, 18, was arrested Sept. 4 on charges of possessing a deadly weapon at the campus of Montecito High School, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

According to law enforcement reports, Loux was arrested at 12:30 p.m. and had a "lethal cutting instrument."

Deputy Jess Allensworth told Patch that he saw the weapon, a dagger, hiding on Loux after the young man's shirt was lifted up.

Allensworth was patrolling the campus that day and made the arrest.

According to Allensworth, Loux is not a Montecito High student but does attend  a program there.

Loux's Facebook page says he is a student at Ramona High School and his "About" section reads "i smoke way to [sic] much weed, and i love guns maybe a little to [sic] much."

The Sheriff's Department states Loux was booked at the San Diego County Central Jail on three felony charges (possession of a weapon at school possession of marijuana and carrying a dirk/dagger) and one misdemeanor (challenging remarks to the principal a week prior).

Allensworth said Loux is still in custody and is being held on $12,500 bail.

At Loux's Sept. 6 arraignment, he pleaded not guilty, according to Steve Walker, communications director at the county's district attorney office. Loux had a readiness hearing Sept. 13 and his preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 19 at 9 a.m., Walker said.

Deputy District Attorney Daniel Shim is prosecuting the case.

Loux could face up to 3 years and 8 monthsin prison if convicted of all the charges.