A threat made against Key Largo School on Jan. 3 — just a day before kids returned from holiday break — has led to an arrest warrant issued against an out-of-state juvenile.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a warrant was obtained on Wednesday against an 11-year-old who’s reportedly responsible for the threats that were made on social media against the school. The state in which the juvenile resides is unknown at this time as law enforcement continues to work with out-of-state authorities and the office of the State Attorney.
“I want to thank my team and our partners at the school district and the State Attorney’s Office for their hard work in quickly resolving this case,” Sheriff Rick Ramsay said in a statement on Wednesday. “It’s essential that we work together to make sure these cases are handled quickly and effectively every time.”
Key Largo School and other Keys schools saw an increased law enforcement presence in view of the threat.
Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward told the Keys Weekly that social media threats made against schools are “one of the most serious threats we have in these times.” As for the punishment that the juvenile might see, Ward said it’s a lot different than it is dealing with older kids.
“We still have a lot of work to do as far as this 11-year-old is concerned. We have to figure out what direction we need to go from here,” Ward said. “Sheriff Ramsay and I take these threats very, very seriously, and people need to understand that we don’t care who you are and what age, if you make a threat against our schools, we’ll do whatever it takes to assure the safety of our children, teachers and school staff.”
Monroe County School District Superintendent Theresa Axford expressed gratitude to the sheriff’s office and its increased support while the threat was investigated.
“Our partnership is invaluable in keeping our schools safe,” she said.
— This story will be updated as more becomes available.
