Stephens County school threat deemed ‘not credible’; juvenile arrested

Nearly a half dozen juveniles have been booked at the Regional Youth Detention Center in Gainesville for making terroristic threats to schools since the Apalachee High School shooting on September 4, 2024. (Source: Google Maps)

Another Northeast Georgia juvenile has been arrested and charged with making terroristic threats against an area school.

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Sunday, September 8, school officials notified law enforcement of a social media post regarding a potential threat.

“This prompted an immediate investigation by Sheriff’s Office investigators. As a result of our investigator’s efforts, one individual was detained for questioning and swiftly arrested following an interview,” the sheriff’s office says in a news release.

The sheriff’s office says investigators determined the threat was not credible, but it did raise concern among students, parents, and staff.

Investigators arrested and charged the juvenile with terroristic threats and acts. Around midnight, they transported them to the Regional Youth Detention Center in Gainesville, where nearly a half dozen other youths have been booked on similar charges in the aftermath of the Apalachee school shooting in Winder.

“At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the safety of students or staff in the district,” the sheriff’s office says.

“The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and our partners at the Stephens County School System take threats very seriously,” states the news release. “Deputies continue to provide an increased law enforcement presence at all schools, as well as Toccoa Falls College.”

Stephens County School Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin requests that all phone calls regarding immediate parent or student concerns be made to Assistant Superintendent John Stith at 706-886-9415.