Juvenile Arrested After Online Racist Messages In Newtown: UPDATE

NEWTOWN, CT — A Newtown juvenile was arrested on a warrant last week in connection with racist messages sent via Google Classrooms last fall at Newtown High School, according to authorities.

The juvenile, whose identity was not disclosed due to his age, was charged with the following:

• Ridicule on account of race (3 Counts)
• Fifth-degree computer crime (3 Counts)
• Disorderly conduct (3 Counts)

Details of the incidents were not disclosed, but the juvenile is accused of "using racial epithets, in an abusive and disruptive manner," according to police.

The arrest was made at the conclusion of a six-month-long investigation, after police were alerted to someone accessing Google Classrooms to send the messages.

"This was a lengthy investigation, led by [School Resource Officer] William Chapman," said Newtown Police Lt. Aaron Bahamonde. "The extensive investigation required the use of multiple search warrant applications and computer forensics to be served on internet platforms used by the suspected juvenile."

In a statement to Patch, Newtown Schools Superintendent Dr. Lorrie Rodrigue said that the juvenile "is not currently enrolled in Newtown."

"Newtown Public Schools worked cooperatively with local authorities who were handling the investigation," Rodrigue said. "While the juvenile is not currently enrolled in Newtown, the arrest comes after a lengthy investigation following the cyber-based incident. We continue to work with students and staff on issues centered around diversity - with the goal of ensuring a safe, equitable, and inclusive school community."

Officer Chapman was assisted in the investigation by SRO Rich Monckton, Bahamonde said, adding that such computer crime investigations "tend to be lengthy in time and complicated."

The juvenile was released to the custody of his parents with a court date in Bridgeport Juvenile Court.