MOUNT VERNON — Two juveniles were charged with inducing panic and aggravated menacing after allegedly making threats to Mount Vernon High School students.
Inducing panic is classified as a second-degree felony while aggravated menacing is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Their names were redacted in the Knox County Juvenile Court complaint.
The Mount Vernon Police Department detective division received information on Dec. 23, 2024, from the Columbus FBI office about a possible threat originating from someone in Mount Vernon, according to a previous Knox Pages article.
The threats were made toward several Mount Vernon High School students, according to a Mount Vernon Police Department press release. The release also states that the Mount Vernon City School administration was contacted.
The charges stem from an incident on or between June 1 to Sept. 30, 2024, according to the complaint.
The aggravated menacing charge specifies the juveniles “knowingly caused multiple Mount Vernon High School students to believe that [redacted] would cause serious physical harm to multiple Mount Vernon High School students or property of multiple Mount Vernon High School students or a member of multiple Mount Vernon High School student’s immediate family.”
According to a district-wide letter sent to Mount Vernon High School families, Superintendent Bill Seder said the charged juveniles won’t be returning to Mount Vernon High School.
“They will face disciplinary action as outlined in board policy and the judicial process through juvenile court,” the letter reads. “These steps demonstrate our commitment to accountability and ensuring a safe environment for everyone in our schools.”
Seder also said parents of Mount Vernon High School students named in the threat were promptly notified by law enforcement.
“We are fully supporting these students and their families and are working to ensure they feel safe and secure as they return to school,” Seder said. “As we move forward, we will continue to evaluate and strengthen our safety protocols.
“Keeping our schools safe is a shared responsibility. Let this serve as a reminder that if you or your students see or hear something concerning, it is essential to say something. Together, we can maintain a secure and supportive environment for all students and staff.”
The police press release states that the parents of the involved victims have been individually contacted and made aware of the threats. School officials are fully aware of the situation and are taking necessary action.
The next court date is scheduled for an arraignment on Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.