Teen Charged: Accused of Posting Threat to Middle School on Social Media
Sumter County School District
SUMTER, S.C. (WOLO) – A teenager was arrested Tuesday, police say he’s accused of making threats towards a middle school in Sumter County.
The 14-year-old Hillcrest Middle School student is charged with disturbing schools, aggravated breach of peace and threatening the life of a public employee, principal or teacher, say Deputies.
Authorities with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office say the juvenile was released to the custody of his parents.
According to a release, the post to Instagram Monday evening spread quickly and by Tuesday morning, parents were questioning the credibility of the threat.
Authorities say the threat was not credible and deputies patrolled the school questioning students who responded to the post.
The teen has no criminal history and was not a problem student, authorities say.
“We thank the principal and administrators at Hillcrest for aiding us today,” Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis said. “Although this appears to have been a prank we have to take these calls seriously. Unfortunately, this young man made a decision that may result in serious charges. We are just glad no one was hurt.”
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