Three More Juveniles Charged In Oswego East Shooting Threat

OSWEGO, IL — A day after a 14-year-old female student was charged with disorderly conduct following a school shooting threat at Oswego East High School, three more teens are now facing charges, Oswego police said. On Friday, disorderly conduct charges were also filed against two male students, ages 14 and 15, and another 14-year-old female student. All four teens have been referred to juvenile court.

The charges come after an investigation that determined that there was no credible threat and no danger to students. It is the second time this year a social media threat involving Oswego East resulted in charges for a student.

District 308 officials reached out to the Oswego Police Department Wednesday afternoon about a social media post that referenced a possible threat of violence that was to occur at the school, police said. Officers determined that a number of posts to Snapchat referenced the possible violence.

One student posted to Snapchat about what they believed was a threat of violence after a classmate made a reference to mass murder, according to police. Another student shared that post, adding that there was going to be a school shooting.

In what police said was a related incident, another student posted a Snapchat message referencing a shooting. After an investigation, the shooting threat was not deemed credible, police said.

The department on Thursday said a 14-year-old girl is charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct in the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and future charges against others could be forthcoming, according to Oswego Police.

"Oswego Police take all reporting involving threats very seriously, and are dedicated to ensuring they are handled swiftly and appropriately," the department said in a statement.

In April, a 15-year-old student was charged with felony disorderly conduct after a similar threat of violence at Oswego East. In that case, the student allegedly shared a list of names with fellow students, and the list was then spread through social media, police said at the time.

District 308 sent a letter to all high school parents Wednesday that said they are working with police and that its focus is on the safety of the schools, with students focused on learning.

"The safety of our school is a top priority, and it is a shared responsibility that includes our students, staff, leaders, families, and law enforcement," the letter reads. "Please help your student to remain positive about school, attending and engaging in academics and extracurricular activities."

Oswego Police on Wednesday made mention of the social media threat on its social media page. The department later updated that there was no credible threat and that an increased police presence was to be expected at the school Thursday.