SALYERSVILLE – A virtual student from Magoffin County High School is facing charges regarding some reported threats made on social media.
Magoffin County Sheriff Bill Meade told Mortimer Media Group that his office received a call from the Magoffin County High School on Monday, October 30, about a situation involving some alleged threats made toward the school.
Magoffin County High School posted on Facebook, first announcing that an “alarming social media post” had been brought to their attention, and the appropriate authorities had been notified. Later in the day, the school posted an update on the incident, stating:
“Today, Magoffin County High School received a report that a student had allegedly made a threatening statement on social media.
“School administrators immediately contacted the police who began a thorough investigation. The police have dealt with the student in question for making this statement. The student was not present today, nor will this student be returning to school.
“Through their investigation, police have determined that there is no credible threat towards Magoffin County High School.
“As always, Magoffin County High School takes seriously all reports of this nature. The safety of our students and staff is and will remain our highest priority.”
Sheriff Meade told Mortimer Media Group that he sent a deputy to the school and, through the investigation, they were able to determine that the alleged threats were made by a virtual student who is living in Paintsville currently. Since the threats originated in Paintsville, the sheriff’s office contacted the Paintsville Police Department, asking for assistance in the matter.
“They were able to contact the juvenile and the juvenile was picked up and is currently facing charges for the threats,” Sheriff Meade said. “It was determined that the charges would be filed in Johnson County because the threats had originated from there. I would like to let everyone know that currently there’s no credible threats directed towards any of the students or the faculty of the Magoffin County school system involving this matter. The juvenile will be dealt with in juvenile court, and we have offered the Paintsville Police Department any additional assistance they may need.”
Magoffin County Schools Superintendent Chris Meadows told the Independent, “We take every threat very seriously and everything is turned over to law enforcement and investigated fully. We want to encourage students, parents and community members that if they see anything, to always bring it to the attention of school administrators. Our kids are good about that, and we appreciate it. We will never publicize who told us because we want them to feel safe to talk to us.”
Superintendent Meadows also reiterated that police could not find any credibility in the statement that more people were involved, and no other evidence was found regarding anyone else being involved in the threat.
The SI reached out to the Paintsville Police Department but have not been able to get a successful call to go through, reaching only their full voicemail box.
Editor’s Note: Arrests, charges and court proceedings involving juveniles are not public records. The indictment or charge of a person by a grand jury or otherwise is an accusation only and that person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
