Thomas P.

Schneider
Sheriff, Macon County
333 S. Franklin St.
Decatur, Illinois 62523

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS:

March 7, 2017 Sgt. S.E. Flannery (Asst PIO) 424-1319

ARGENTA-OREANA HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES THREAT OF VIOLENCE

Two juveniles charged in making or conveying threats

Argenta Two Argenta-Oreana High School students were arrested today for making or conveying threats of
violence directed at a student in the school. School officials became aware of the potential for violence
immediately before school and sequestered the student in the office while waiting for Macon County Sheriffs
Deputies to respond.

During the course of the investigation it was revealed that a 15 year old student made a statement about
committing an act of violence towards another at either the residence of the student or the school. A group
message on social media was discovered in which the 15 year old made threats of violence involving a firearm.
That juvenile has been charged with Disorderly Conduct initially and may face other, more serious charges
pending a full forensic investigation of his cellular phone.

A second 16 year old juvenile was also charged with Disorderly Conduct for conveying the threat in a manner
which alarmed and disturbed students on a bus in the school district. That student was released into the care of
his parents.

The Argenta-Oreana School District issued a statement to all families in the district via social media and direct
phone calls. It was determined early into the investigation that there was no immediate threat to the students
attending school and the school was not placed in precautionary lock down mode.

The Macon County Sheriffs Office is continuing the investigation and asks that if any student has direct
knowledge of the alleged threats they contact either the Sheriffs Office or a school official.

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Emergency Assistance (217) 424-1311 * Administration (217) 424-1321 * Jail (217) 424-1341
 Thomas P. Schneider
Sheriff, Macon County
333 S. Franklin St.
Decatur, Illinois 62523

Emergency Assistance (217) 424-1311 * Administration (217) 424-1321 * Jail (217) 424-1341