Sheriff’s office to educate parents following Unicoi Co. High School threat

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — After a 15-year-old was arrested and charged in relation to a threat against Unicoi County High School, the sheriff’s office has launched a new initiative to train parents and guardians to recognize signs that their student could be making school threats.

Unicoi County Chief Deputy Frank Rogers confirmed the student was arrested and charged with Threat of Mass Violence on School Property or at a School-Related Activity, which is a Class E felony. The threat was made over social media on Friday night, according to Rogers and Unicoi County Schools.

Rogers told News Channel 11 that the investigation into the threat led him and others to check out social media accounts and apps teenagers have access to.

“During the criminal investigation that we have conducted, we have learned very troubling things about materials that children are exposed to and access every day,” Rogers wrote in a notice to parents. “As parents and guardians, we can easily overlook the early warning signs that are associated with these exposures.”

In response, the sheriff’s office organized conferences for parents and guardians to educate them about the dangers their children are exposed to online and how to protect them. Additionally, parents will also be taught to look for warning signs of children who are overly exposed to violent content.

Rogers has scheduled two conferences in which parents and educators can hear from and speak with experts in internet crimes, sexual exploitation investigations, drug abuse and other online dangers.

“I’m absolutely encouraging parents to pay attention to what their kids are researching and what they’re being exposed to on social media and their electronic devices,” Rogers said. “It is not safe. It’s dangerous, and kids will lie to you, even the good kids. And they’re all good kids until they ain’t.”

Both conferences will be held in the auditorium at Unicoi County High School. The first will be Oct. 10 from 6-8 p.m. The second will be held Oct. 12 from 9-11 a.m.

Anyone who wants to attend is asked to register with the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office by calling 423-743-1864.

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