Local News

Calhoun Teacher Charged

Fri, 02 May 2014 10:51:06 CDT
A Calhoun County High School teacher faces state and federal charges in connection with a bomb threat on Monday.

According to Illinois State Police, Calhoun County States Attorney Rick Ringhausen on Thursday charged 36 year old Michelle Smith of Jerseyville with Falsely Making a Terrorist Threat. Bond was set at $500,000.

Following an investigation by authorities, Smith has been incarcerated since Tuesday.

On April 28, at apporximately 1:00pm, a typed letter was found in a bathroom at the high school indicating the presence of a bomb in the school. Students and teachers were evacuated from the school and a search was conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies. Non explosive device was found.

In a related matter, after the state charges were filed, a federal charge of conveying a false threat was made and Michelle Smith was taken into federal custody and was being held without bail.