Felony-level charges against boys accused of East Guernsey email hoax

The Guernsey County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed charges on Friday against two boys for their involvement in an email hoax that caused a local school district to cancel classes last month.

Prosecutor Lindsey Angler confirmed the charges were filed with the Guernsey County Juvenile Court, but declined to release the type of charges due to the age of the boys and the on-going status of the case.

"I will not release any information regarding the juveniles or the case," said Angler.

She confirmed the charges are felony-level offenses, but declined to elaborate.

The offenders, reported to be under the age of 13, are a student in the East Guernsey Local School District and a resident of Aurora, California.

More:Sheriff: Local and California teen behind email that forced school closure

Authorities have not released how, or if, the boys knew each other before the email was received by East Guernsey Superintendent Chase Rosser.

The email stated something "shocking" would happen on Sept. 16. No threat was made against a specific individual or building in the district.

After receiving the email, school officials conferred with local law enforcement before canceling classes and halting or postponing other events including the homecoming dance.

More:East Guernsey classes, homecoming canceled after district received threatening email

The high school football game was moved to Tuscarawas County and was held on Sept. 17 without incident.

The Guernsey County Sheriff's Office previously reported both boys confessed to their roles in sending the email. It was sent by the California resident.

Detectives Brian Carpenter and Aaron Coulter travelled to California to interview the boy and collect evidence.

On Oct. 18, detectives interviewed the local boy and collected more evidence leading to the charges that were filed Friday.

Sheriff Jeff Paden praised multiple agencies for their assistance during the investigation.

No motive for the email has been released by the sheriff's office.

Rosser said the East Guernsey student is also facing discipline in accordance with East Guernsey policies. He also declined to elaborate on the action being taken.

"We are glad this is over and look forward to putting it behind us," said Rosser.

The boys will be adjudicated in Guernsey County to determine if they are guilty or innocent. Any punishment, if convicted, will be imposed where they live.