Mason County sheriff, prosecutor speak out on school threats

MASON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The sheriff and the prosecuting attorney in Mason County, West Virginia are speaking out after a string of threats against schools across the region.

Since Monday, several counties in the area have gone on alert due to potential threats against schools in their area on social media. Those threats have, so far, been deemed not credible. However, a student in Ohio was arrested Wednesday for a threat against her school.

On Tuesday night, Point Pleasant Junior/Senior High School in Mason County posted on social media that they had received a social media post about a threat against the school Principal William Cotrill said they had already addressed the threat with the proper authorities and there were no safety concerns.

Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Seth Gaskins shared PPJSHS’ post saying those who make such threats will be found and prosecuted.

“If you are involved in this type of nonsense I want you to know that you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Gaskins said. “You may think your posts are anonymous, but I promise you that our State and Federal partners can, and will, ascertain who you are, and you will be awakened in the middle of the night, and your Cheeto-dusted hands will be shaking.”

Mason County Schools also released a statement revealing that an alleged threat against Point Pleasant Intermediate School was also circulating social media. MCS said authorities were notified and that heightened security would be at both PPJSHS and PPIS on Wednesday morning.

Following the threats, Mason County Sheriff Corey Miller released a statement to ensure that schools were safe . Miller also urged caution on social media, reminding the community that the days around the 9/11 anniversary are often days “ill-intentioned individuals” try to spread fear.

“On September 10, our state and others received multiple school threats. We investigated and cleared a potential threat in the Mason County school district, ensuring the safety of our schools. We had an increased police presence this morning,” Miller said. “I urge parents to be vigilant regarding their children’s social media activity, as it can be distorted by those seeking to cause fear. Today is the anniversary of 9/11, a date often used by ill-intentioned individuals to spread fear. Let us work together to maintain safe communities. Thank you and God bless.”

On Wednesday, Mason County Schools again addressed the situation , thanking law enforcement and first responders for helping to keep the schools safe and thanking the community for their patience and understanding.

“We would like to thank our Mason County community for the patience & understanding shown as we worked to be sure all students & staff had a safe arrival this morning to their respective schools. Because of you, we have had a great morning and look forward to a good remainder of the day,” Mason County Schools said. “Sincere thanks are extended to our local & state law enforcement, 911 center, and emergency services partners for their ongoing interest in keeping our schools as safe places to learn & work. When communities work together, we all are truly better.”

Mason County is not the only school district impacted by threats this week.

Cabell County Schools reported threats Wednesday morning against Huntington High School, Huntington Middle School and Huntington East Middle School were not credible. Then Wednesday afternoon, CCS made a similar statement for a separate threat against Milton Middle School.

On Tuesday night, Dawson Bryant Middle School announced it would be closed Wednesday due to a threat. In that instance, a 12-year-old student at the school was arrested Wednesday on charges of delinquency by terroristic threat and delinquency by inducing panic, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office said. She is at the Lawrence County Juvenile Center and will be arraigned in Lawrence County Juvenile Court.

Schools in Mingo County were also the target of swatting texts this week. On Monday, all Mingo County Schools were placed on lockdown for what turned out to be a hoax threat posted to social media that was part of a spoofing incident originating in Arkansas. On Tuesday, the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office investigated a threat against Burch PreK-8 that was also a swatting incident but originated in Arizona.

Authorities in Kentucky also investigated an alleged threat at Paintsville High School Monday, concluding there was never any danger to the school. However, extra law enforcement were added around the school for additional security and peace of mind.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation -Pittsburgh also released a statement Wednesday that they were working to investigate the threats made towards schools across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

People are asked to report any suspicious activities that could be a threat to 911, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or leave an online tip .

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