For the second time in as many days, authorities have arrested and charged a Stephens County student with making terroristic threats.
A school system spokesperson says superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin was notified of this latest arrest on Tuesday morning, September 10.
“All threats are taken seriously and investigated, and students will face criminal charges and severe school consequences,” says Stephens County’s School and Community Engagement Coordinator April James.
GBI alerted local authorities
Late Monday night, September 9, the GBI received a tip of a possible threat to Stephens County High and alerted the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.
“This prompted an immediate investigation by the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators, with the assistance of patrol deputies and School Resource Officers, were able to quickly identify and locate a suspect,” the sheriff’s office says in a press release. “Upon being arrested and interviewed, the individual admitted to part of the accusation.”
Investigators charged the student with terroristic threats and acts and turned them over to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.
The student was transported to the Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Gainesville.
According to the sheriff’s office, there is still no known active threat to the students, faculty, and staff of Stephens County Schools.
“Parents, we encourage you to discuss the seriousness of this matter with your children. Those who engage in threats of violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the sheriff’s office warns.
Dr. Franklin continues to emphasize that the safety of students and employees is the system’s “top priority.”
Threat reported through mobile app
According to James, the incident was reported to the GBI through the See Something, Send Something app.
“We appreciate this person, as well as the Sheriff’s Office, for their immediate action,” says James.
According to the GBI website, the Watchdesk receives and processes See Something Send Something mobile app tips around the clock.
Submit tips from your mobile device by downloading the See Send App for iPhone and Android devices from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
