Social media threat against Chatham Central deemed false

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The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office declared on its Facebook page Thursday that a “rumors of a potential threat” to Chatham Central High School were deemed to be “unfounded and not based on any credible danger.”

Sara Pack, the sheriff’s office’s public information officer, told the News + Record Tuesday that the rumors were “picked up...via social media,” but were quashed through “multiple interviews and a thorough information.”

Pack added that no charges are forthcoming related to the rumors.

“This is an example of how rapidly false or twisted information can spread online,” Pack said. “We will continue to investigate all leads to exhaustion, especially when it comes to any potential threats toward our schools and students.”

Sheriff Mike Roberson said in a statement Thursday that the department takes all threats “seriously,” even if they’re just rumors.

“The safety of our youth is always a top concern for law enforcement and school personnel,” Roberson said. “Although we do not anticipate any elevated risks, we recognize that the fear spread by false information is very real. We will continue to work with school administrators to ensure our schools are a safe and positive learning environment for students and staff.”

The sheriff’s office posted additional deputies on Chatham Central’s campus on Friday to “offer support and reassurance to students and their families,” according to the department’s Facebook page.

John McCann, Chatham County Schools’ public relations coordinator, told the News + Record that there were 175 total absences at Chatham Central on Friday, but emphasized that it would be impossible to say the threat was exactly why that many students missed class. In high school, absences are counted if a student misses at least more than half of one class period.

Chatham Central, Chatham County Sheriff's Office, Threat