An 11-year-old from Virginia has been sentenced to a high-risk offender program after orchestrating multiple swatting incidents targeting schools in Flagler County, Florida.
The young boy was responsible for 21 calls reporting false threats of shootings or bombs at several schools, including Buddy Taylor Middle School, among others, in Flagler County. These incidents disrupted the conclusion of the last academic year and prompted an extensive response from local law enforcement.
A Flagler County judge ordered the boy to remain in detention in Volusia County until he can commence the high-risk offender program. This program is set to provide the boy with counseling, mental health treatment, and education, aiming to address the underlying issues that led to these serious actions.
As part of the sentencing, restitution of $46,234.33 was mandated to compensate the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for the extensive efforts involved in responding to and investigating the threats. Despite these financial consequences, the Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the slim likelihood of recovering this amount from the boy’s family.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly detailed the extensive hours dedicated to addressing these threats, with 168 patrol hours and 755 investigative hours spent tracing the source back to Virginia. He expressed hope that the sentencing and treatment program would redirect the boy towards a more positive path.
The boy faced a total of 46 charges, comprising both felonies and misdemeanors, including false reporting of bombs and unlawful use of communication devices. A no-contest plea was submitted regarding these charges, highlighting the gravity of the offenses committed.
Sheriff Staly emphasized the importance of the sentence in discouraging such disruptive behavior. He reiterated the impact these threats had on the community and schools, creating widespread alarm and necessitating significant law enforcement intervention.
Following the anticipated 12 to 18-month duration in the program, the boy will return to Virginia under supervised release. His use of electronic devices and internet access will be strictly regulated to prevent any recurrence of these actions.
This sentencing seeks to rehabilitate a young individual whose actions disrupted a community, with hopes of steering him towards a more constructive future. The situation underscores the considerable challenges faced by law enforcement in managing threats of this nature, and the ongoing need for vigilance within the community.
Source: News Journal Online
