13-year-old Grinnell student charged with threat of terrorism
A Grinnell Middle School student is under investigation for allegedly sending coded messages that Grinnell police said "appeared to be threatening and disturbing in nature."
A police news release said the boy, 13, was charged with threat of terrorism, a felony, and removed from the school pending further notice.
It said the investigation began after the parents of another student reported to school officials that the boy had sent the emails via his school email account to their child. The emails, also sent to other students, used a numbered code to hide certain words suggesting violence against students, teachers and the school, police said. They said they also found several handwritten notes and drawings by the boy with similar content.
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The student was released to his parent, and he and they are cooperating with the investigation, police said, adding that they do not believe there is any current, credible threat of violence.
Police requested that anyone with information contact Investigations Sgt. Ben Smith at 641-623-5602.
Noelle Alviz-Gransee is a general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Follow her on Twitter at @NoelleHannika or email her at NAlvizGransee@registermedia.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Grinnell teen charged with sending threatening coded school emails
