MUKWONAGO, WI (MetroSource-WSAU) A 17-year-old Mukwonago High School student could be facing a long prison sentence for threatening a Columbine-style attack on his school on April 20th. Jared Roberts of North Prairie is charged with felony terrorist threats and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
He was overheard by another student on January 15th threatening the shooting. That classmate went to a teacher who notified police.
Waukesha County DA Sue Opper said, “We are in a time of ‘see something, say something,’ adding that threats that might not have been taken seriously before are being investigated and prosecuted now. This threat allegedly included a date – April 20. A classmate also said Roberts had made specific comments about how he would carry out the attack. He’d later said that he did not have access to the weapons he’d threatened to use. “It was stupid,” he told police after being taken into custody.
A statement from the school district said: “Please know that when we are informed of possible threats of violence directed at our students, staff, or schools, the administration and local law enforcement agencies immediately address the concern and conduct a thorough investigation. If the threat is deemed credible, students are removed from school… We ask our parents to reinforce ‘See Something, Say Something’ with their children. Any safety concerns should be reported immediately to a school administrator, a law enforcement official, or another trusted adult.”
Court records show Roberts was given the chance to finish this school year as part of a home schooling program. He’s due in court on April 16th.
