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Sheriff’s Report

The following information was provided by the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office. All suspects are considered innocent until found guilty in a court of law.

Threats made of school violence

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of an individual during the early morning hours of Thursday, Dec. 20, for making threats against schools. The investigation began during the evening hours of Dec. 19. The actual arrest was made at approximately 2 a.m. on Dec. 20.

The defendant is a 17-year-old male from the town of Beekman. The investigation started when a tip was received that he was making threats to harm children in schools. The defendant was taken into custody at his residence after further investigation by Sheriff’s Office detectives and members of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. Part of the investigation also included the seizing of evidence at the residence resulting from the execution of search warrants.

The defendant was charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree (a Class A misdemeanor), and after being processed he was arraigned at the town of Beekman court and remanded to the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $50,000 cash or bond. The defendant’s identity and address have not been released at this time due to his age. The investigation is continuing and further charges are possible at a later time.    

The threats made in this case referenced shooting at schools; however, they did not identify any particular school as a target. It is also important to note that even though the defendant allegedly made threats of shooting, there was no evidence found to indicate that he was going to attempt to carry it out or that he had the means to carry it out. Also at this time it is believed that the defendant acted alone, and there is no indication of anyone else being involved. As in all other criminal cases the charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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