May 17, 2008 12:13 pm US/Central
Teen Charged In St. Charles School Bomb Threats
16-Year-Old Charged With Felony Disorderly Conduct In Graffiti Threats
ST. CHARLES, Ill. (Aurora Beacon News) ―
A 16-year-old male student has been charged with felony disorderly conduct for writing two graffiti threats on two bathroom walls at St. Charles East High School, St. Charles police said Friday.
Messages were written in two bathrooms on Tuesday, indicating that bombs were planted in the school. The messages were written during the day and seen by other students, although police determined they were not credible, police said.
The juvenile -- who was not named by police -- was released to his parents after a hearing at the Kane County juvenile detention center.
"It is important for our students to know that those who break the law will be caught and pay for the consequences of their actions," said St. Charles School Superintendent Donald Schlomann. "It is tragic that one of our students committed this offense and now must pay the consequences."
The student was charged with a Class 3 felony for disorderly conduct because the graffiti made reference to bombs at the school.
Schlomann said he will recommend the student be expelled.
"While it is imperative that he pay the price for his actions, it is also imperative for him to turn his life around," Schlomann said. "I hope he does so."
An anonymous source came forward with information that led to the suspect, police said. The School District had offered a $2000 reward to anyone who helped police crack the case, and the award was paid out.
Half the money came from the School District, Schlomann said, while the other half was paid by Brian Feltes Insurance Agency.
"It seemed like offering a reward was successful," Schlomann said, noting that the district would consider doing so again in a similar situation.
However, he emphasized, "we hope we wouldn't ever have to use those types of things in the first place."
(CBS 2, the Naperville Sun and the Aurora Beacon-News are news partners covering stories in the western suburbs. Send story tips to tips@cbs2chicago.com. (© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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