GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A former Edison Middle School student pleaded no contest Monday to making a social media post threatening a school shooting, but the charge would be erased from her record if she stays out of trouble for a year and follows conditions set by the court.
The threat of a shooting was made May 8. The girl was taken into custody, and police deemed the threat not to be credible. However, the next day, more than half of the students at Edison did not attend.
State law prohibits the media from identifying suspects in juvenile court.
One count of making a terrorist threat was dismissed Monday, while the 12-year-old girl pleaded no contest to using a computer message to threaten injury. Instead of being found delinquent — the juvenile version of guilty — a consent decree was agreed upon. If all of those terms are followed, the charge would be erased from her record.
Assistant District Attorney Tim Greenwood noted the girl has no previous criminal referrals and believes the conditions and counseling are appropriate.
Defense attorney James Schoenecker agreed, saying, “I think my client understands she is very lucky no one was hurt. The conditions are there that this is rehabilitative for her.”
The girl declined to address Judge Timothy Hinkfuss when given the chance.
Among the terms:
- No additional referrals for criminal behavior
- Perform 20 hours of community service
- Undergo any counseling ordered by the human services department
- Write a letter of apology to the school district
The girl was expelled from Green Bay Area Public School District, but it kept the door open for potential reinstatement if certain conditions are met, Jason Halbach, of the county human services dept., said in court. As of yet, there is no specific plan in place for her education.
The school district did not have a representative in court Monday.
Since her arrest, the girl had been staying at shelter care, a county-operated residential facility, by court order. She will be allowed to return to her parents and live at home, the judge ruled.
Shortly after the Edison threat, another social media threat was made against Preble High School. About 150 students did not attend classes after that. No arrests have been made for that threat, and that investigation continues, Green Bay Police said Monday.
