A Jefferson teen was arrested and charged with terrorism following an alleged post of a threatening photo online.

According to the Jefferson Police Department, just before 11am Sunday, July 8th, officers were notified by the FBI of a photograph flagged through Snapchat. It was a picture with eight long guns with a text that read “Ready for school 7 can join me.” Captain Heath Enns said they determined that the photo was posted by a 15-year-old boy in Jefferson. Officers spoke to the teen at his residence in the 300 block of East McKinley Street. Enns told Raccoon Valley Radio that the boy admitted to posting the photo and claimed it was a joke.

Following the investigation, officers arrested the juvenile and charged him with a Class D Felony for threat of terrorism and an aggravated misdemeanor for first degree harassment. The firearms were removed from the residence which included: three BB guns, two 12-gauge shotguns, a 50-caliber rifle, a .22-caliber rifle and a 12-gauge pump shotgun.

The juvenile is a student in the Greene County School District. Superintendent Tim Christensen released a statement saying: “I commend the Jefferson Police Department on their handling of a recent threatening message on Snapchat involving a high school student.  We are very appreciative of the work they do. The Greene County School Board will address this issue at their July meeting. Since the issue involves a student, the issue will be discussed in closed session. Any action taken on the issue would take place in open session.”

Police Chief Mark Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio that after consulting with Greene County Attorney Nic Martino, the name of the juvenile will not be released. He says according to Iowa Code, when an individual is charged with a forcible felony, typically the juvenile’s names can be released because those charges can be tried in adult court. However, Iowa Code doesn’t list “terrorism” as a forcible felony.

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.