Bomb threats not credible, Conley says
November 12, 2012
The number of bomb threats in Boundary County public schools climbed another notch today as another scrawled message was found in a restroom at the middle school, forcing the fourth school evacuation in as many weeks.

This one was discovered shortly before 1:30 p.m., scrambling emergency crews and law enforcement and again disrupting classes until the scene was cleared and students returned to their classrooms at 2:38 p.m.

While comments made on Facebook within minutes of the latest hoax clearly show a community tired of what, by all accounts, appears to be nothing more than a series of juvenile pranks, no one is more frustrated than school superintendent Dick Conley.

"We don't believe a credible threat exists, but we still have to take every incident seriously," he said after today's scare. "Every indication we have through every investigation points to these hoaxes being nothing more than juvenile pranks."

While the bomb threats aren't credible, Conley warns that the consequences of making the false threats will be.

Specific information cannot be released as these investigations are ongoing, but Conley did say that those responsible, along with their parents, are going to see some big and unpleasant changes.

"We will catch them," he assures, "and their life will change in a hurry."

Under Idaho Code, making a false bomb threat in a public place can bring up to five years in prison, and the cost of the emergency response, which is considerable, can be levied. It's also possible that a charge of using or threatening the use of a weapon of mass destruction can be filed, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine, with costs added on top of that.

In addition to state charges, federal charges can also be filed; charges can also be brought against anyone who knew who was behind the threats and failed to report it.

Conley said a letter to parents giving additional information will be sent home with students on Tuesday, and that letter will be posted on newsbf as well.