On the heels of an increase of school threats statewide—including here in Perry County—the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association released a statement and urged its member Sheriffs to do the same in their communities.
Just a couple of weeks ago, a fifteen-year-old female was charged with threats of mass violence and assault after making Snapchat threats involving a handgun against several fellow PCHS students, according to Sheriff Nick Weems.
She was taken into custody and sent to a juvenile detention facility in Williamson County. The teenager has had one local court appearance, and has another one scheduled, but remains in detention in Franklin, the Sheriff said.
The teenager is charged with threats of mass violence and assault.
Sheriff Weems told the Review that the teenager, who moved with her mother to Lobelville from Lewis County just weeks ago, had videos on her phone of her father teaching her to use a handgun and AR-15 style weapon.
The father, Sheriff Weems said, is a convicted felon and may face weapons violations, but charges will have to be filed by Lewis County authorities because the videos were taken at his residence there.
Sheriff Weems shared the letter with media outlets and online. Following is the full text of the letter from Sullivan Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, President of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association:
Sullivan County Sheriff -
“Due to the increased volume of school threats being made online and through social media platforms, Tennessee Sheriffs feel it is imperative to release the following joint statement:
“One of the main goals of an Elected Sheriff is to provide quality safety and ensure citizens feel secure in their surroundings.
“With the increased volume of school threats being made across the state of Tennessee, we want parents, students and citizens to know that we will not tolerate anyone making threats and inciting fear within our schools and community.
“Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Making threats of violence against a school is a class E felony offence TCA 38-16-517, which carries life-altering consequences.
“We urge parents to monitor what their child is posting on social media platforms and talk to them about the seriousness of making or even sharing threatening posts.
“As always, we continue to urge the community to report anything suspicious or potentially threatening in nature toward schools or any public building.
“We understand the frustration, stress and fear communities across our state are dealing with, and we will continue to investigate every threat received in an effort to ensure the safety of our schools and all citizens.”
