Motion Filed For Batavia Teen In Bomb Case To Be Tried As Adult

BATAVIA, IL — A Batavia High School student accused of possessing bomb making materials appeared in Kane County juvenile court Thursday where county prosecutors filed a motion to move the teen's case to adult court. According to the Daily Herald, the 15-year-old could face at least two, more severe felony charges if the Kane County prosecutors motion for a "discretionary transfer" is granted. The teen will remain at the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center and his next scheduled court date is for Feb. 27, according to the news source, adding that that's when attorneys will argue who has access to the boy's completed psychological evaluation first.

>> Here's what could happen if the case is transferred to adult court

More:

• Batavia Juvenile Facing Charges In FBI, Police Investigation
• Batavia HS Student In Custody After Explosives Found At Home

The charges the teen faces are in connection with an investigation by the Batavia Police Department, the Kane County Bomb Squad, the Kane County Major Crimes Task Force, the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspectors, according to a news release from the Kane County State's Attorney's office.

Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon approved charges two months ago against the juvenile for possession of explosives, the news release said.

"My thanks to all of the agencies involved in this case," McMahon said, in the news release. "Their collaborative work has proved essential in keeping our communities safe."

Batavia police said the FBI notified them on Nov. 26 of a tip they received from a third party indicating someone in Batavia had bought materials used to make explosives, according to a news release from the police department. Police said early investigation by the FBI led them to hone in on a Batavia High School student, a juvenile, who possibly had the materials. On Nov. 26, Batavia police assisted the FBI with their investigation at a Davey Drive home, police said. Batavia police, the FBI and the Kane County Bomb Unit searched the home and found the explosive materials and containers, according to the news release.

Police said that due to the highly volatile nature of the mixture, it was destroyed where it was found through a controlled detonation. Nearby residents were made aware of the detonation, although they were not at risk, the news release stated.

As a precaution, Batavia High School was searched by bomb sniffing dogs, but no evidence of explosives or materials was found on the school's property, police said.

"Our priority is the public's safety," Batavia Chief of Police Dan Eul said, according to the state's attorney's office, adding that they believed there wasn't a threat to the public.