BROCKVILLE — Provincial police on Tuesday arrested a second youth in connection with a series of threats against schools in eastern Ontario.
A 14-year-old boy from South Dundas, Ont., faces multiple charges, and police were probing a possible connection between him and another 14-year-old from Nova Scotia who was convicted and sentenced in the same matter, as well as a 15-year-old arrested in New York state.
Anonymous telephone threats to commit violent acts at St. Michael Catholic High School in Kemptville, Ont., started on Sept. 12, 2024, and continued until Oct. 18, 2024, provincial police noted.
An extensive investigation by members of the Grenville OPP crime unit, with help from the OPP cyber-investigations team, OPP regional support team, OPP provincial anti-terrorism section, the RCMP, the FBI and police in Bridgewater. N.S., and Bethlehem, N.Y., resulted in charges being laid in October against a 14-year-old boy from Bridgewater.
In December, that youth pleaded guilty to one count of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, while four other charges were dropped. He was then sentenced to six more days in custody, in addition to time served, and 18 months of probation.
On Tuesday, “as a result of the continuing investigation,” OPP carried out a search warrant at a home in South Dundas Township, police added.
They arrested a 14-year-old male and charged him with three counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm; three counts of indecent communications; two counts of mischief — interfering with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property (over $5,000); and three counts of public mischief.
Police said the charges relate to the incidents at the Kemptville school, as well as threats to Seaway District High School in Iroquois, Ont., and other threats in Bethlehem, N.Y.
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The Bethlehem youth has been charged with making a terroristic threat and conspiracy, the town’s police department posted on social media.
OPP were looking into connections between the accused, while also seeking information about similar threats in other locations, including in Rockland, Ont., last year, said Dickson.
Anyone with information on these incidents can contact the Grenville detachment of the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.