Juvenile arrested after threats toward Sesser-Valier school staff, students

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A juvenile has been arrested after authorities say threats were made toward staff and students in the Sesser-Valier School District.

According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Sesser-Valier Unit School District 196, deputies learned of the verbal threats on the night of Aug. 9.

Deputies located and interviewed the juvenile as part of their investigation. The juvenile was then taken into custody and charged in connection with the threats.

Authorities said the juvenile was taken to a juvenile detention facility, where they remain in custody.

The sheriff’s office and school district said there is currently no known threat to students or school personnel related to the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office in cooperation with the Illinois Attorney General’s Division of Digital Forensics.

Because the case involves a juvenile, authorities said no additional information about the suspect or specific circumstances surrounding the threats will be released at this time.

Sheriff Kyle Bacon said the department takes threats involving schools seriously and is working closely with district administrators to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Authorities are asking the public to avoid spreading speculation or unverified information while the investigation continues.