15-year-old suspect charged in social media threat against Heritage High School in Rockdale County

ROCKDALE COUNTY – A 15-year-old suspect has been charged and is in custody for making social media threats against a local high school, the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office announced in a post on X. 

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) confirmed the social media threats were made against Heritage High School over the winter break and on Sunday, Feb. 23. 

The Sheriff’s Office said the juvenile was taken into custody on Feb. 26 and faces the following charges:

• Two counts of Terroristic Threats (felonies)
• Disruption of School (misdemeanor).

Investigation timeline: 

Feb. 19 –The Sheriff’s Office was first alerted to a social media post threatening Heritage High School. Investigators identified two students responsible for the initial threat. 

Feb. 23 – Authorities received reports of two additional social media threats targeting the same school. One of the posts described a “shooting plan” that allegedly detailed an attack on Heritage High.   

“These new threats are currently under investigation,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote on X.  “As a precautionary measure, additional security has been implemented at all high and middle schools across Rockdale County.”

Response from School District officials 

Feb. 24 – High school students transitioned to virtual learning as a safety measure. Soft lockdowns were implemented at elementary and middle schools.

Feb. 25 – Lockdowns were enforced district-wide as the investigation continued. That same day, the Rckdale County Sheriff’s Office issued a news release, urging parents to discuss the seriousness of making school  threats with their children. 

“Parents, please be advised that threats made against the school system, whether through social media, text messages, letters, or verbal statements, are not considered jokes or pranks. 

These actions are taken very seriously and will continue to be treated as such.

If your child is found responsible for making any threat, they will face criminal charges and potential arrest. This will not only result in serious consequences for your child but will also cause significant disruption to your daily routine. 

Under Georgia Code § 51-2-3, parents will be held accountable for the actions of their child.

Keeping students safe is our number one priority. We will continue to work closely with the school system to ensure a secure environment for everyone.

We urge you to discuss with your child/children the gravity of making threats and the severe impact it can have on everyone involved, including you, the parents.”

Arrest of 15-year-old 

On Feb. 26, the Sheriff’s Office arrested the 15-year-old in connection with the threat and continue working with school officials to snure student safety.