(Corning, Iowa) – The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Wednesday afternoon, issued a statement with regard to recent incidents of alleged threats against the Southwest Valley School District. The statement said “During the late afternoon on or about Friday, April 14, 2023, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office along with Southwest Valley Superintendent Chris Fenster, were notified of a credible threat regarding a student threatening to harm other students and staff at Southwest Valley High School.

“Adams County Sheriff’s officials began their investigation immediately and the student was charged with Threat of Terrorism early Saturday morning. It was determined that the threat was made approximately 2-to 3 weeks prior. The School District and Law Enforcement received no prior knowledge of this threat until late Friday afternoon. Effective Saturday, the student will no longer be allowed on school grounds and is on GPS monitoring by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Juvenile Court Services. Safeguards were immediately put in place to ensure the safety of all Southwest Valley students and staff.

“On Monday, to provide the continued safety of all students and stuff at Southwest Valley School District, extra law enforcement was put in place. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office did this in conjunction with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to alleviate any uncertainty within both the Corning and Villisca communities. Moving forward, for the remainder of the school year, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office will maintain a presence within the Southwest Valley School District daily,”  not only for safety concerns, but also “:to provide staff and students support at this time.

“Late Monday afternoon, April 17, 2023, Superintendent Chris Fenster notified the Sheriff’s Office about alleged threatening posts on social media by the same student. The Sheriff’s Office began investigating the threat immediately. The Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the alleged threats Monday afternoon and throughout the day on Tuesday. At this time, both the Adams and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office do not have any evidence that the alleged threats made on social media are credible.

“On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, informational meetings were held with the high school students and staff to provide transparency to the situation and offer additional support. Additional security measures will be implemented during all Southwest Valley activities, including Prom and Graduation.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with the Southwest Valley School District. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.”