Hazlet Juvenile Accused of Making Threats Via Instagram

A Hazlet juvenile has been charged by Hazlet Police in a matter involving the use of Instagram, a photo-sharing and text program owned by Facebook.

"The allegation is that the school had reported threats, terroristic threats, made by Instagram," said Det. Lt. Charles McBride. "We have investigated the matter. We charged the juvenile, and that's that." McBride said he could not comment further on a case involving a juvenile. 

The case has been sent to the county prosecutor's office, for review by investigators in the family division. If that office finds the information by local police warrants that charge, a county investigator will pursue charges. The only ones informed of the outcome with be the school principal and any victims in the case.

In the opinion of one parent who addressed the board at a Board of Education meeting at Cove Road School on Oct. 22, that could potentially mean quite a few people.

"We're talking about 10 to 15 families that are directly affected," said Michele Agosta, who explained she has become frustrated with what she considers the district's lack of resolve to deal effectively with one individual. 

"It's almost as if it's a cancer in this town, and it's growing rapidly and we can't get rid of it, we cannot change it because we all turn the cheek because it's easier," said Agosta. "Nothing gets done." 

Superintendent Bernard Bragen said that the district is following the proper procedure for dealing with the issue. "I assure you...I'll give you my word, I don't turn the other cheek," he said. 

In response to another parent who suggested more district-sponsored anti-bullying efforts, Bragen said that new policies and laws about harassment, intimidation and bullying are on the board website, and school officials will endeavor to explain them better to parents. 

He added that he is making plans with the middle school and high school administrations to provide more social media and technology training for students.

"One of our goals for the district is effective communication with our stakeholders. And I'm hearing there is some areas we can improve upon," Bragen said. "And we will."