6 Forsyth Students Arrested After False Threats Made Against Schools

CUMMING, GA — Six students have been arrested after false threats were made this week against Forsyth County schools, Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman announced Friday.

"None of those threats revealed any sinister act, planning or true intent to commit an act of violence here in Forsyth County," he said in a Facebook video.

Freeman said this week he was at a middle school where a 12-year-old student was taken into custody following a 12-hour investigation.

"Six students have been arrested because they played, for some God-unforknown reason, a cruel, hoax, joke or whatever you want to call it," Freeman said. "It's far from a joke by making bomb threats, death threats and threats of someone bringing a gun to a school."

He said none of the schools in Forsyth were in danger, and he did not name any charges the students are facing.

Freeman and Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bearden Friday released a joint statement. They said tips were sent to them through the P3 Campus app.

"The heartbreaking school shooting in Nashville (Tenn.) has been difficult for many of us. Schools across the U.S. and in Forsyth County have received alleged threats this week. We know that school safety and security are heavy on your hearts and minds," Freeman and Bearden said in the statement.

"In Forsyth County, we are grateful for the strong partnership between Forsyth County Schools and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. We have many safety measures in place to keep our schools safe for our students, teachers, and staff."

More than 100 parents and students reached out directly to Freeman and the sheriff's office to inform authorities of a school threat, speaking to what Freeman noted is necessary in the community. He advocated for "See something, Say something," urging people to work together.

He said the sheriff's office is committed to arresting anyone who makes a threat against a public or private school in the county.

"There are kids now that are going to spend their spring break in jail because they thought this was funny," Freeman said. "Guys, we're better than that in Forsyth County. ... We can do better than this."

In the statement, Freeman and Bearden said the students involved in the hoaxes are "facing life-changing consequences for their actions."

School counselors will be available to any student who needs additional support, according to the joint statement. Freeman and Bearden encouraged parents to talk with their kids about the real consequences of making false threats on social media.

"Forsyth County is our home. Let’s make sure it’s safe for all," read the joint statement.