The father of a ninth-grade student arrested for making threats toward Oakleaf High School told First Coast News that his daughter made a joke that crossed a line.
Shortly after his daughter was arrested by the Clay County Sheriff's Office, the suspect's father said she "is a harmless child who made a joke that went too far."
A message sent Thursday night helped investigators link the threats to an address in Clay County, deputies said.
Members of the Cyber Crimes Unit, along with the Juvenile Crimes Unit, made contact with the suspect and her mother at the connected address.
During an investigation of the property, detectives were able to recover evidence linking the suspect to additional threats made against Oakleaf High School.
"I applaud the Clay County Sheriff's Office and staff for their quick and detailed work in this investigation," Superintendent Addison Davis said in the release.
"The sheriff's office worked around the clock to identify the person behind these threats and took action immediately. I am extremely grateful for our continued partnership in keeping our schools and community safe and secure. As mentioned yesterday, this type of behavior will be addressed with zero tolerance and the student will be disciplined accordingly. Safety will remain our greatest priority and we will continue to foster a safe and respectful environment for our students and staff."
The CCSO said the student is charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor. Her father said she was still in police custody on Friday.
She was in court Friday morning and her next court date is next Wednesday, according to her father.
