On March 14, several staff members at Piccowaxen Middle School, located at 12834 Rock Point Road in Newburg, received an email that contained a vague threat of violence.
The sender indicated “something bad would happen” if the school wasn’t closed the following two days. There was no mention of weapons or exactly what would occur. School officials immediately notified the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and an investigation was launched.
As a precaution, officers were stationed at the school as the investigation was underway. Detectives worked with school staff members and internet service providers throughout the day and into the night and subsequently identified an address of where the email came from. Detectives responded to the address and, after speaking with a parent, were able to identify the sender as a juvenile male who attends the school.
The juvenile was charged with making a threat of mass violence and disturbing school operations.
Detective J. Elliott and Det. C. Shankster investigated.
