2 Students Charged In Etowah Threat Denied Bond

WOODSTOCK, GA -- The two 17-year-old students who were arrested Wednesday in connection to an alleged plot to carry out an attack on their peers and staff at Etowah High School have been denied bond, law enforcement has told Patch.

Cherokee County's Chief Magistrate Judge James Drane III denied bond to Alfred Dupree of Acworth and Victoria McCurley of Woodstock, and their case has been bound over to Cherokee County Superior Court, sheriff's office spokesperson Sgt. Marianne Kelley told Patch.

The agency's Criminal Investigations Division continues its investigation into the allegations, and have spent the last three days uncovering evidence during a search at the residences of both students. Some of that evidence includes a personal journal/diary, a "homemade incendiary device, which was described as a flammable substance, and an undetermined powder (sic) substance," Sgt. Kelley said.

Both of these substances were turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for testing. In the meantime, Dupree and McCurley are each charged with three counts of criminal attempt to commit murder, four counts of terroristic threats and acts and one count each of criminal attempt to commit arson and possession and/or transportation of destructive device/explosive with intent to kill, injure or destroy any pubic building.

The arrest warrants have been sealed by a judge, so no other details have been made public at this time, Sgt. Kelley added.

The Cherokee County School District on Wednesday released a statement, informing parents that the two students were arrested on "very serious charges related to alleged plans to harm students and staff at their school."

"We will not tolerate violence -- or threats of violence -- at any our schools," the district added. "This stand will be reflected in the severe administrative disciplinary actions we will take against these students. Our community is strongest when we work together to keep all of us – especially our children – safe. We deeply appreciate the community member who reported information to the Woodstock Police Department tip line that ultimately led to these arrests by the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office."

CCSD went on to say its School Police Department and administrative staff worked hand-in-hand with the sheriff's office, a reflection of its long-standing partnership it has with the agency to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Anyone with information about threats, the district added, is asked to immediately report it to police. Students and parents can also use the Cherokee County School Police hotline at 770.720.4061.

Photo: from left, Alfred Dupree of Acworth and Victoria McCurley of Woodstock. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff's Office