Student, 14, Charged After Making 'Concerning' Social Media Post About Marmion Academy: APD

AURORA, IL — A teenage boy was charged Oct. 3 after Aurora police said he made a "concerning" social media post referencing Marmion Academy.

The Aurora Police Department launched an investigation into the post containing "threatening language" that quickly circulated online in the late evening hours of Oct. 2, prompting concern from the school community, according to a news release.

Police were stationed at Marmion before the school day began Oct. 3, and investigators worked throughout the early morning hours to identify the source, coordinating with the school, the social media platform and other agencies to look into leads, officials said.

The investigation led detectives to a 14-year-old student, who was not at school that day. The boy admitted to making the post, which was later removed, police said.

Investigators determined there was no actual threat to Marmion students or staff, but after consulting the Kane County State's Attorney's Office, the boy was charged with disorderly conduct in connection with transmitting a school threat. The case was referred to Juvenile Court Services, police said.

"Any threat involving a school — whether intended as a hoax or not — is treated with the utmost seriousness," Aurora Police Chief Matt Thomas said in a statement. "The safety of our students and staff will always remain a top priority, and we will pursue charges when appropriate to hold individuals accountable."

Police said anyone with information about the incident should contact the investigations division at 630-256-5500.

"The Aurora Police Department remains committed to working with educators, parents, and students to foster safe learning environments across the city," officials wrote in the release.