On September 9, 2024, the Crisp County Sheriff's Office detained two Crisp County Middle School students after a Crisp County Sheriffs Office School Resource Officer was notified of terroristic threats made via text.
The School Resource Officer and Crisp County School System responded immediately. As a result, there was a large presence of Crisp County Sheriffs Deputies on the Crisp County Middle School Campus. Out of an abundance of caution, the school system evacuated the campus.
Authorities conducted a physical search of the campus. Crisp County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Spalding County Sheriffs Office, and Bibb County Sheriff's Office bomb detection K9s.
* One 12-year-old male was detained and charged with Terrorist Threats and Acts and Disruption of Operation of Public School
* Another 12-year-old male was detained and charged with Terrorist Threats and Acts and Disruption of Operation of Public School.
Investigators determined the threats made by these two juveniles were independent of each other.
Both individuals made separate threats of different terrorist acts. The campus was rendered safe following search efforts, and the school system resumed normal operations.
"Any statement implying threats or violence against a school in this community whether meant as a joke, part of a social media trend, or otherwise will be taken seriously! All threats will be fully investigated, and those responsible will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
The duty to protect our students is not just on the school system or law enforcement. Parents, you can also be held accountable for your child's actions or inactions. Ensuring the safety of our children is a responsibility we all share," stated Sheriff Billy Hancock. ###