Five juveniles have been charged after threatening messages against Chatham Middle School in Siler City circulated on social media earlier in May. Authorities investigating the threat — which said it would carry out violence against students and teachers on May 15 — now believe it was a prank the juveniles never intended to carry out.

One juvenile was charged with threat of mass violence on educational property, while four others were charged with conspiring to do so. Three of the juveniles are students at Chatham Middle School.

“I cannot stress enough the seriousness of making threats of a school shooting,” said Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson. “Public safety is our utmost priority, and any act — even if it’s a prank — that undermines that security is a serious matter. Not only does it create fear and panic among students, parents, and teachers, but it is a criminal offense that carries severe consequences.”

“Chatham County Schools continues to work with the Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to support them throughout this process,” the school system said in a statement. “The district and school administration agree school safety is one of our main concerns, and we promote any and all efforts to help keep our students and staff safe while on campus.”

 

Featured image via WNCT

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