Joseph Melillo Middle School Student Made Threats, Charged: Police

EAST HAVEN, CT — A juvenile has been charged in connection with "threats made against several Joseph Melillo Middle School students," police said in a news release Monday.

An investigation quickly led to a juvenile suspect who "fully cooperated with investigators," police said.

Police Chief Ed Lennon issued a statement: “As soon as the Police Department was made aware of potential threats involving Joseph Melillo Middle School, the Police Department immediately launched an investigation, which quickly led to a juvenile suspect. After conducting interviews and investigating the matter, it was learned that one juvenile, who is a student at JMMS, was responsible for the threats. Contact was immediately made with the juvenile and their parents / guardians who cooperated fully with the investigation. The juvenile was subsequently arrested and has a court date of 05/31/2022 at the New Haven Superior Court for Juvenile Matters.”

Police said there will be increased police presence at all schools until the end of the year.

Superintendent Erica Forti said in a statement: “East Haven Public Schools appreciates the swift and detailed work of the East Haven Police Department in identifying the juvenile. We will continue to collaborate and partner with the East Haven Police Department to ensure the safety and security of our schools. We encourage all students to report any threat or concern they may see or hear. Additionally, parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s social media use and activity.”

JMMS Principal Darci Doyon sent out the statement below to all parents/guardians of JMMS students to advise them of the incident.

"Today, it was reported to the administration and East Haven Police Department that an individual made a threat against several students at JMMS," Doyon wrote in the statement. "East Haven Police began investigating the incident immediately and were able to identify and arrest the juvenile who made the threat. There will be increased police presence at JMMS tomorrow as with any incident involving threats to East Haven Public Schools. We continue to encourage all students to report any threat or concern they may see or hear. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their child’s social media use and activity."