A student from the Fallsburg Central School District was taken into custody on Sunday, October 20, 2024, following an investigation into an online threat by the Fallsburg Police Department.
This incident is the second of its kind in recent months, underscoring ongoing concerns over student safety and the responsible use of social media platforms.
The threat was initially reported by a concerned parent, according to a letter issued by Dr. Ivan Katz, Superintendent of the Fallsburg Central School District. The parent alerted the Fallsburg Police Department after seeing the alarming social media post. While the police investigation concluded that the threat was not credible, the student responsible for the post was still apprehended.
Fallsburg Police Chief Brendan Pavese provided further details, stating, “The threat was made through the Snapchat app and referenced the Fallsburg High School. Officers arrested a 12-year-old boy from Hurleyville, charging him with making a terroristic threat, a felony.”
Chief Pavese also confirmed that a shotgun was found at the boy’s residence. The child was released back to his guardian, pending a scheduled appearance in Sullivan County Family Court.
“Our department will continue to investigate any threat made against our schools, not leaving any stone unturned,” Chief Pavese added.
The Fallsburg Central School District has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy regarding threats, stressing that even those made in jest will be treated seriously.
Dr. Katz emphasized the serious nature of such actions, noting that any student found responsible for making threats would face consequences under the school’s Code of Conduct, along with potential legal repercussions. He warned that these actions could have lasting impacts on a student’s future.
“Threats of any kind are not jokes,” Dr. Katz said. “We continue to live in very challenging times with real acts of violence and ongoing threats of violence taking place around the country. That is why a threat is never a joke.”