New Kent High School receives uncredible threat from 17-year-old in Massachusetts

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- After officials said an online threat against New Kent High School was reported on Thursday, prompting an investigation, the sheriff's office has since determined the threat to be uncredible.

According to a social media post by the New Kent County Sheriff's Office, a threat was reported on Thursday, Jan. 22, which was shared with the New Kent High School community.

Through a joint investigation with the Lowell Police Department in Massachusetts, the New Kent County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the threat was uncredible.

The sheriff's office said the threat that was sent through an online message was made by a 17-year-old boy in Massachusetts, and Lowell Police were handling the matter.

Investigators reportedly verified that the 17-year-old had no intent or ability to act on the threat.

Based on the joint investigation, the sheriff's office said there is no active or ongoing danger to any schools in New Kent County.

Despite the threat's lack of credibility, the sheriff's office said additional deputies would continue to be present at New Kent High School "out of an abundance of caution and to provide reassurance."

Officials said the case will be presented to the New Kent Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for review and determination regarding potential prosecution and/or further coordination with judicial officials in Massachusetts.

"The safety of our students, staff, and community remains our highest priority," the sheriff's office said in the social media post. "We appreciate the continued cooperation from the staff at New Kent County Public Schools and the patience of our families as we worked to resolve this matter quickly and responsibly."