‘Isn't a game': Horry County's top prosecutor talks consequences amid string of hoax threats against Carolina Forest school

Yahoo

27-02-2025

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson is sharing the consequences people can face after Carolina Forest High School has been the target of three hoax threats in just the past two weeks.
Threats were directed at the school on Feb. 19, Tuesday and on Thursday. Each of them were investigated by Horry County police, who found no credible threat and deemed them hoaxes. Classes were placed in a 'hold' status until the campus was checked and cleared.
If the threats were made by juveniles, Richardson said those kids can face charges and spend 90 days to a year in jail.
'We'd spend all of March, all of April, all of May — so the rest of the school year — in jail,' he said. 'We'd miss Easter, we'd miss all the other holidays. We'd miss any birthdays that pop up between now and then. And we leave with a criminal record.'
But the threats affect a lot more people than just those who make them.
'200 people have not been educated for an amount of time. They've had to walk outside. 400 parents have been scared,' Richardson said. 'They're all having to line up and see. Because of Columbine and because of Sandy Hook, this isn't a game.'
Under Horry County Schools' cell phone policy, which officially started in January, students are required to keep their cell phones off and in their backpacks during the school day.
One Carolina Forest High School parent said she was happy with the school's communication during the threats. The district explained the notification process.
'Carolina Forest High School communicated twice with parents yesterday regarding the hoax incident. Parents were informed that the school was working alongside law enforcement regarding a call received, that the school was placed in a 'Hold' standard response protocol during the initial investigation, and that another update would be provided once more information became available. The second communication informed parents that the 'Hold' was lifted, law enforcement was able to identify the call as a hoax, the school gates were reopened, and students would continue their school day on a modified bell schedule.
'Hold' means that the hallways are cleared, and students and staff remain in their classrooms or areas and continue doing business as usual until they get the all-clear from the school administration. The attachment helps explain our standard response protocols.
The incident remains under investigation.
As with any incident, this situation presents an opportunity to review and enhance our policies, procedures, and response to events.'
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Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.
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Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
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