Utah Juvenile Makes Threats Against School; Suspended Indefinitely

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Utah Juvenile Makes Threats Against School
Photo: Wapster

In another case of a juvenile threatening violence, a 12-year-old Logan boy was suspended this week for admitting to making threats against his school. The length of the suspension has yet to be determined as well as whether criminal charges will be filed.

Even Online Comments Constitute Threats

According to Logan Police Department Lt. Tyson Budge, they received notification from the online gambling site, roblox.com, that in a routine monitoring of online comments one of their employees had seen threats from a user talking about taking guns to school. The user had reportedly talked about the need to “kill them while they are young.”

Once the user was identified, the police contacted his mother and interviewed him in her presence where he admitted to making the comments. The Mount Logan Middle School student was immediately suspended, and the case was referred to the Cache County Attorney’s Office where additional criminal charges may be filed. The school district is attempting to determine whether the juvenile intended to carry through with these actions to assist them in their determination of the length of the suspension.

In a report from the Herald Journal News of Logan, Assistant Principal Dan Cox was quoted as saying, “[W]e want to protect the safety of all 1,500 people here at this school. We want to take the time to investigate this thoroughly and do right by everyone.”

Threats of Violence Charges Possible

These threats most likely wouldn’t be considered along the lines of “threats of terrorism” similar to the incident that closed Westlake High School on the first day of school. In that case, there was a threat of a weapon of mass destruction [alleged bombs]. However, this incident would at least constitute what the Utah Criminal Code considers Threats of Violence, even if the action is not carried out.

For an adult, these threats are a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $1,000. For juvenile offenders, they may face restitution, fines or community service.

Making threats of violence is a serious offense and one that indicates perhaps a larger issue that may require professional counseling. In addition, if your child has been charged with making threats of violence–or any other crime–make sure to seek the professional help of a juvenile defense attorney who has your child’s best interests in mind.