According to a report from Red Boiling Springs Assistant Chief Steve Evans, on July 20, 2003 an e-mail was sent to the Macon County Board of Education containing terrorist threats to two county county school officials and their families.
The e-mail allegedly contained certain demands to be done by the beginning of the school year concerning policy issues with the Macon County School system.
The e-mail stated that the individual was reportedly already making bombs ad nitroglycerin and had guns. It also stated that lives would be at stake if the demands were not met.
The initial report was given to the Macon County Sheriff's Department and handled by Detective Robin Gregory and Deputy Terry Atkins, Macon County School Resource Officer.
When it was determined that the e-mail came from the Red Boiling Springs area, it was handed over to the Red Boiling Springs Police Department for further investigation. Red Boiling Springs Assistant Chief Steve Evans and the department took this threat very serious.
Chief Terry Tuck and Assistant Chief Evans were already conducting an investigation on the juvenile individual concerning other criminal acts committed in the Red Boiling Springs area, including burglary, aggravated assault and two counts of vandalism.
Through information received in the investigation, the RBSPD uncovered several websites concerning the juveniles' involvement in criminal acts.
Assistant Chief Evans obtained juvenile petitions, through the Macon County Juvenile Court, on the juvenile suspect for burglary, aggravated assault, two counts vandalism, harassment by e-mail; and terrorism.
Assistant Chief Evans reported that along with the District Attorney's office he asked the Juvenile Judge Ken Witcher for an Order of Secure Detention, to place the suspect in a juvenile detention center, due to the safety and concern of the individuals mentioned in the e-mail, their families and the public in general. Allegedly Judge Witcher denied an Order of Secure Detention. The reason for his denial is unknown.
A phone call was placed to Judge Witcher's office by the Macon County Times. Judge Witcher would not take the phone call and his secretary stated he would not respond to any questions concerning this issue.
According to Assistant Chief Steve Evans, the RBSPD issued a search warrant for the juvenile's residence on August 8. This warrant was issued by Circuit Court Judge John Wootten and served on the residence approximately two hours later.
The Red Boiling Springs Police Department with the help of the 15th Judicial Task Force conducted the search of the residence.
Evidence was gathered from the residence concerning the alleged crimes committed by the juvenile.
The RBSPD took into their custody approximately 25 rifles and handguns and numerous knives. This was due to the fact that the juvenile individual would have access to them if not taken.
All rifles and pistols are being processed through NCIC system check. At this time none are being reported stolen.
Macon County School Director Mike Prock said he did not feel comfortable at this time making a formal statement.
The juvenile petitions were served by Deputy Terry Atkins of the Macon County Sheriff's Department on the juvenile and his parents. The juvenile remains in custody of his parents and will appear in juvenile court in Macon County at a later date.
Red Boiling Springs High School Principal Don Jones said, "We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of the students. We are doing what is required by keeping the outside doors locked and the security cameras on at all times."
Post a Comment
