Schools
2 Teens Charged After Threatening Jefferson Schools: Police
The teens, one in high school and one in middle school, were arrested last week after making threats against the schools, police said.
JEFFERSON, NJ — Two Jefferson township teens have been charged after making online threats against township schools, Jefferson police said.
On Feb. 15, a 14-year-old boy was charged with disorderly conduct for making "implied threats" against Jefferson schools and students, Jefferson Det. Joe Kratzel said. He is a student at the high school.
The next day, a 13-year-old boy was charged with cyber-harassment and creating a false public alarm for threats made online against the middle school, where he is a student, Kratzel said.
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Both threats were found to be not credible, police said. Police did not release either boy's name.
It was not immediately clear if the arrests are connected to a threat made against the schools on Feb. 2. Police said that threat was investigated but was "a rumor with no credibility." Patch has reached out to Jefferson Township Police for more information.
Find out what's happening in Jeffersonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Police in Jefferson conduct daily safety checks in schools, and work to ensure student safety, police said last Thursday.
"We have daily safety checks at all schools, monthly and random student and faculty drills, risk assessments, and constant contact with school administration and officials. We continually monitor and investigate all matters which could pose a threat to our community," police said.
The arrests are the latest in a number of threats made against New Jersey schools, including a weekend threat made against Chatham Middle School. All of the threats have found to be not credible, but they've left communities on edge. They all come in the wake of a school shooting in Parkland, Florida which left 17 students and teachers dead.
Anyone who sees security issues in Jefferson should contact the principal or the school resource officers, Det. Kratzel or SRO Fabian. Residents who see something suspicious should contact the Jefferson Township Police Department (973) 697-1300 or email tips@jeffersonpolice.com.
Read More:
- At Least 5 NJ School Threats Investigated In Last 72 Hours
- Accused Parkland Shooter Charged With 17 Counts Of Murder
- Social Media Threat Against Chatham School Not Credible
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