Burke Co. student charged after creating fake social media account to threaten college, district says

BURKE COUNTY, North Carolina (WBTV) – A student is facing charges as well as disciplinary action after he made a threat to a Burke County school using a fake social media account, officials said of the district.

According to Burke County Public Schools, Table Rock Middle School was grounded Wednesday morning on the advice of law enforcement as they investigated the threat. Principal Rich Linens informed parents of the lockdown shortly after 9am

Investigators say they determined a student created a fake social media account and made a threat against Table Rock Middle.

According to the district, the student was questioned and searched. Police did not find a weapon on the student that matched the threat, although they confiscated a pocket knife.

The fake account has been suspended by the social media company and the student faces charges from law enforcement and disciplinary action from the school, district officials said.

“Threats made against schools, our students or staff are taken very seriously. We encourage parents to have conversations with their children about making and reporting threats. Even if the students think it’s funny or they’re doing it as a joke, it’s a serious matter with serious consequences,” Burke County Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan said.

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