Peach Tree Times

After recent threats against Burke County High School, the Burke County Sheriff's Office found no evidence of credibility but wants the community to remain vigilant. 

The sheriff's statement comes after an anonymous email was sent to the school threatening to "shoot the entire school up," The Georgia Sun reported in early December. 

‘‘As the chief law enforcement officer of the county, I believe schools are safe for our students, staff, faculty and parents," Burke County Sheriff Alfonzo Williams said in a statement the Burke County Schools retweeted Dec. 5. "We have not found any evidence that would lend any credence to the threats made last week. We continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to keep our community safe.’’ 

Authorities said they heightened security and increased the law enforcement presence at every school in the district, The Georgia Sun reported

“These type threats have increased across the state over the past several months," Williams said. "We are looking for any similarities or a particular method of operation. We have not ruled out any evidence that might suggest the person(s) responsible."

Williams issued the statement calling on parents and the community to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious, according to WRDW.

“We are asking everyone to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious," Williams said. "We will have extra law enforcement personnel deployed in our schools and throughout the county to ensure the safety and security of everyone."

Williams’ agency offered a $2,500 reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case, WRDW reported. 

“Furthermore, we are asking you to help law enforcement by talking to your children about goings-on around the country and our state related to school safety, threats and appropriate responses," Williams said. "Please review safety protocols with them and explain the necessity of reporting suspicious behavior and reporting to a responsible adult any threats to the learning environment."