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WEIRTON – The teen allegedly involved in a threat against Weir Middle School on Monday is now facing felony charges while authorities continue to investigate that incident and other threats made this week.

According to Hancock County Prosecutor Steven Dragisich, the person, identified by authorities as a sixth-grader at Weir Middle School, was charged with threatening a terrorist act under West Virginia Code 61-6-24(b).

If convicted, the juvenile faces fines of between $5,000 and $25,000, one to three years in a state correctional facility, or both.

“I have zero tolerance for people who make such threats in Hancock County,” said Dragisich. “The safety of the teachers, students and citizens of Hancock County is of paramount importance to me. Accordingly, any person, juvenile or adult, who makes such terrorist threats will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Hancock County Schools and Weirton Police were notified Monday of a message posted through the social media platform SnapChat that contained a threat against Weir Middle. Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush reported Monday that officers were able to locate the suspect and have spoken with family.

More threats were reported on Tuesday, leading to the closure of Hancock County public schools and all extracurricular activities on Wednesday.

“Law enforcement and I have been informed of similar terrorist threats made on or about (Tuesday) in Hancock County,” said Dragisich. “These threats are currently being investigated and the person(s) responsible will be charged and prosecuted accordingly.”

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Hancock County Superintendent Dan Enich noted that the school district administration is working with Dragisich’s office, police and officials from other districts to counter the threats.

“I have met with the sheriff, the district attorney, Weirton Police Chief Kush, the deputy district attorney, HC BOE member and police officer Gerard Spencer, other superintendents, all of our principals and assistant principals,” Enich said “We are working on every tip that reaches us.”

Enich thanked everyone involved in the investigation.

“In discussions with law enforcement, they have received some strong leads that we hope will bring this case to a close soon.” Said Enich.

The threats in Hancock County are just a few of many made at schools across the Ohio Valley this week.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was involved in some of these cases.

“The FBI is aware of recent threats against several school districts in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia,” says a statement from the FBI. “We work closely with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance when needed. This includes gathering intelligence, sharing information, tracking leads and working with partners to quickly and effectively identify and contain threats.”

The FBI noted that any threat of violence may be a violation of state and federal law. Authorities urge students, teachers, school administrators and parents to report such activities to their local emergency center or to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.

(Howell can be contacted at [email protected])