MENOMINEE — Charges have been issued against three Menominee High School students who allegedly threatened to perpetrate a school shooting and to target both students and staff.

According to a press release issued by Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery T. Rogg Friday, the three students were charged Tuesday in separate juvenile petitions filed in the 41st Circuit Court, Family Division, with False Report of Threat of Terrorism and School — Intentional Threat to Commit Act of Violence Against School, School Employees or Students. In the adult system, the charges carry maximum penalties of 30 years in prison and one year in jail, respectively. However, juvenile sentences are fashioned by judges who consider the crimes committed and the rehabilitation needs of the juvenile offender.

The charges stem from a report made by a Menominee High School student on March 16 to Menominee Police Department School Resource Officer Daniel Bartell. The student reported there was a viable and active threat being made by classmates against an adult school success worker and the assistant principal. The three classmates involved in the threats allegedly made threats to “shoot up the school” and had a “target list” of both the adult administrators and at least two students.

“This is actually one of the more significant school threats I’ve seen this year, since my warning letter to all parents and students in December,” said Rogg.

The Menominee County Prosecutor’s Office has charged 12 cases involving school threats since the Oxford Michigan school shooting on Nov. 30, 2021.

The three students — two females, ages 13 and 14, and a 15-year-old male — will be arraigned before Judge Daniel E. Hass on Tuesday afternoon. Rogg has filed a request with the court for pretrial detention of the students.

Rogg commended the courage of the student who reported the threats to school personnel and the efforts of Bartell in conducting an investigation. Rogg said that “because of this student’s bravery, a potential disaster was averted.”

Rogg reminds the public that the charges and allegations and all criminal defendants — including juveniles — are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, in court.