Suspect Arrested in Connection with One of the Recent School Bomb Threats

This story was updated at 4:53 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, to add the text of a letter to parents from Superintendent Dr. Frank Alvarez.

Rye Police Monday arrested 17-year-old Bryan Franco in connection with a recent bomb threat at Rye High School, according to police.

The school has been plagued with several bomb threats in recent months, but Franco has only been charged in connection with the most recent one on March 9, reports The Journal News.

Franco was charged with falsely reporting an incident, a felony, in connection with his alleged writing about the bomb threat on a bathroom wall. He is free on bail and is next scheduled to appear in Rye City Court on April 14.

“The Police have stated that this continues to be an active and ongoing investigation, and that they expect to make additional arrests,” Rye School Superintendent Dr. Frank Alvarez said in a statement to parents.

Related:

• Update: Rye Schools Reopened After Monday Bomb Threat
• FBI Contacted in Connection with Rye School Bomb Threats
• Police Investigate Latest School Bomb Threat in Rye
• Report: Rye High, Middle School Evacuated over Bomb Threat

The district has experienced at least four bomb threats since the fall, each one requiring the evacuation of school which disrupts classes.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified to assist with local authorities about the incidents.

Below is the letter Alvarez sent to parents:

Dear RCSD Parents and Guardians:

We want you to be aware that the Rye Police Department issued a press release this morning informing the public that they have made an arrest in the case of the bomb threat that was made against the Rye High School/Middle School campus on March 9, 2015.

According to the press release, the defendant is a resident of Rye and a student in the Rye City School District. The student was charged with falsely reporting an incident in the first degree, a class “D” felony. The student was released on bail.

The Police have stated that this continues to be an active and ongoing investigation, and that they expect to make additional arrests.

Please be aware that under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and its specific rules about privacy, the District is strictly prohibited from providing certain information relative to students. In compliance with the law, the District is not able to provide any specific information about the disciplinary actions that have been or will be taken against the person or persons involved. However, the disciplinary procedures are outlined in our Code of Conduct, a copy of which may be found on the District website.

Thank you for your patience and support during this challenging time for all of us in the Rye City School District community.

Sincerely,

Frank Alvarez

Superintendent

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