Scott Co. sheriff investigating student's alleged online threat

BENTON, Mo. -- After being alerted by a concerned parent, the Scott County Sheriff's Department is investigating allegations that a Kelly Middle School seventh-grader made death threats to himself and others last week while using a computer chatroom.

The Kelly School District Board met in a special session Thursday to discuss the alleged threats.

Sheriff Bill Ferrell said his office was first notified at around 5 p.m. on Thursday.

"Initially we had two parents contact us," he said. "But since that initial contact, we've had several contacts."

He said most of the parents were calling to say they were concerned about their children's safety. The investigation is still in the beginning stages.

"We just have some things to do and some people to interview, but it shouldn't be more than three or four days," he said.

Ferrell said an investigation report will be presented to the circuit court's juvenile office, which would in turn present it to a judge to make a decision about any possible charges.

Attempts to reach superintendent Don Moore for comment Thursday afternoon were unsuccessful. But on Wednesday he told the Sikeston Standard-Democrat that he had spoken with the student and notified the juvenile office to investigate.

"We have also talked to staff and concerned community members to see what additional information may be available concerning the student's threat potential," Moore said.

According to Moore, the student is not in school while the incident is under investigation.

"We will make our determination at a later date as to the appropriate circumstances before the student will be allowed to re-enter school," he said. "We are doing everything we can to ensure student safety at the Kelly School District. We cannot guarantee that there will never be a violent act at school, however we take all necessary actions toward that goal."