Kentucky State Police Post 10 Harlan and Barbourville Police Department began receiving calls Feb. 18 at approximately 2 p.m. about a social media post threatening Knox County schools. Troopers along with Barbourville police officers initiated a joint investigation immediately. KSP Electronic Crimes Branch assisted by obtaining an address from where the threat was allegedly made.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a 13-year-old female who attends Knox County Middle School and a 16-year-old female who attends Knox County Learning Academy allegedly came up with the idea to send out a social media threat in hopes of school being cancelled. Both juveniles were placed under arrest and taken to Barbourville Police Department for questioning. A Knox County Court designated worker was contacted and was able to send both juveniles to Breathitt County Juvenile Detention Center for their charges. Corey charged both juveniles with second-degree terroristic threatening.

Megan Scott, 19, of Corbin, who attends Knox Central High School was also arrested for her alleged involvement in this investigation. According to KSP, Scott was reportedly aware of the threats and failed to notify authorities. Scott was charged with complicity to terroristic threatening and lodged into the Knox County Detention Center on a $10,000 secured bond. She is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 27.

Knox County Public Schools posted on its Facebook page Sunday that “KCPS, along side local law enforcement, will work diligently to keep the students, staff, and school system safe. We take threats of any kind seriously.

As always please feel free to contact Knox County 911 if you see or hear anything concerning this issue.”

The case is still under investigation by Corey. Also assisting at the scene were Barbourville Police Department and Knox County Sheriff Department.