Sullivan County District Attorney press release

Sullivan DA announces more arrests in connection with threats against local schools

Posted 12/18/21

District Attorney Meagan K. Galligan announced that more arrests were made in connection with investigations into threats made against area schools. These arrests were for Making a Terroristic Threat which, under the Penal Law, is a class D violent felony. The additional arrests were made by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and Village of Liberty Police.

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Sullivan County District Attorney press release

Sullivan DA announces more arrests in connection with threats against local schools

Posted

MONTICELLO, NY — District Attorney Meagan K. Galligan announced that more arrests were made in connection with investigations into threats made against area schools. These arrests were for Making a Terroristic Threat which, under the Penal Law, is a class D violent felony. The additional arrests were made by the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and Village of Liberty Police.

One person accused is Lavel Fingers, 30, of Liberty, who was arrested by the Village of Liberty Police on December 17. The felony complaint filed with the Town of Liberty Justice Court alleges that Fingers made threats during the course of a voicemail message to the Liberty Central School District, including stating that “if this problem continues there will be missing ** parents and students, this is not a threat, this is a ** promise,” and “I will put weapons into my ** sons hands and these kids will be harmed on your premises.” Liberty Justice Kirk Orseck fixed bail in the case in the amount of $75,000 cash, $150,000 secured bond and $500,000 partially secured bond and additionally ordered Fingers to stay away from and not contact the district.

The second arrest was of a minor in connection with a social media threat to the Monticello School District.

“The commitment our law enforcement community has made to investigate these threats is ongoing and is strengthened by our partnership with our county’s school superintendents,” Galligan said. She noted that the engagement of parents and others who monitor social media accounts used by students is key in continuing to keep our kids safe at school.

The filing of a charge is merely an accusation that a person has violated the law, and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it is the State’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 

Sullivan County District Attorney, Lavel Fingers, Liberty Police Department, Monticello School District

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