Prosecutor Issues Statement Regarding School Threats

Schools across the state closed Thursday and Friday ‘out of an abundance of caution’ after receiving threats of violence.
Newaygo County Prosecutor Ellsworth Stay issued the following statement on Friday:

"Local law enforcement takes all threats, including threats to commit harm at schools, seriously. These threats are and will continue to be investigated fully by law enforcement. The threat of terrorism, such as bombing a school or committing a school shooting, is a felony offense. A false report of the same is also punishable as a felony. It does not matter whether these threats are made verbally or in writing, including threats made on social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or any messaging application.

"Several instances of threats made against schools have been investigated in Newaygo County against juvenile and adult offenders in the recent past. All such threats are investigated to determine credibility. Every threat – even false reports or what a person might call a “joke” – will continue to be fully investigated and evaluated for criminal charges. 

"In light of the recent tragedy at Oxford High School, and the alarming increase in threats that Michigan schools have received in its wake, we remind the community that these crimes are never tolerated in Newaygo County. We urge parents, caregivers, friends, and all community-members to remain vigilant in recognizing warning signs and seeking help when it is needed."

-Ellsworth Stay, Newaygo County Prosecutor

​