On Saturday, the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office received information pertaining to videos that had been produced by a 14-year-old, eighth grade student of Sequatchie County Middle School, making threats of violence toward fellow students and a staff member. Deputies, along with an Agent with the TN Dept. of Homeland Security immediately began a very thorough investigation which resulted in the arrest of the student just hours into the investigation. The juvenile is charged with Threat of Mass Violence as well as Threat to a School Employee or Student. Due to the age of the defendant as well as the others involved in this incident, names will not be disclosed. The juvenile is being held at a detention facility in a nearby county pending a Juvenile Court hearing.

Sheriff Bill Phillips would like to thank his staff for their quick and thorough response as well as partners with the TN Dept of Homeland Security and the District Attorney’s Office of the 12th Judicial District for their assistance in this investigation. As always, the Sequatchie County School administration and staff have worked to assist us in making sure that the safety of students is achieved. The sheriff wants the public to know that any threat related to this incident has been eliminated and there is no known reason for concern. The Sheriff’s Office will always take these types of reports seriously as there is nothing more important than the safety of our children.