The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, school district and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives outlined a lengthy and disturbing investigation into 13- and 14-year-old boys involving homemade firearms and explosive devices.
No threats were reported, but the scope and magnitude of the research and work that went into what these boys may have been up to can only be speculated, authorities said.
Here’s the summary from the Sheriff’s Office:
On April 27 the Sheriff's Office and school district received information through FortifyFL reporting two juveniles using the Telegram app to communicate about homemade weapons and devices and conspiring to commit an armed robbery.
FortifyFL is a platform designed to report suspicious activity and
identify potential threats involving juveniles. The platform was created and funded by the 2018 Florida Legislature as part of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Safety Act.
Based on the information received, the Sheriff's Office and school district’s safety team initiated an investigation and identified the suspects as Switzerland Point Middle School students — the Times-Union is not naming them due to their age and no one being hurt. Both their homes were searched by the Sheriff’s Office.
From April 27 to 30, the Sheriff's Office and ATF conducted multiple searches of the older’s boy’s residence on Tivoli Drive in Saint Johns. During the searches, items discovered included: three homemade firearms, ammunition, suspected explosive components, makeshift handcuffs, handwritten notes depicting the construction of firearms and chemical reactions, handwritten diagrams, manifesto-style books, a tactical vest with white supremacy drawings, and other items of concern.
The ATF Forensic Science Laboratory tested the suspected explosive components recovered from the residence and determined the samples to contain homemade black powder, a mixture of erythritol tetranitrate, aluminum, sulfur, and charcoal, and urea nitrate. ETN and urea nitrate are homemade secondary high explosives with the ability to cause serious damage. All elements were produced using readily available household products and items purchased through the internet.
Detectives also located an extensive search history on the older’s boy’s electronic devices indicating he was researching how to manufacture homemade firearms and explosives and learning about high-profile criminal incidents.
Based on the conversations between the pair, and the evidence located, detectives believe both juveniles conspired to commit an armed robbery. In addition, based on their actions, detectives also believe the information reported and law enforcement’s intervention intercepted a larger violent criminal incident from occurring in St. Johns County.
The 14-year-old was arrested April 30 and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm, make or possess a destructive device firearm (x2), make or possess a destructive device explosive (x3), throw, project or discharge a destructive device explosive and furnish or attempt to furnish a firearm to a minor. He is in custody in the St. Johns County jail. The 13-year-old was arrested June 29 and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery with a firearm.
"The magnitude of information at the fingertips of our youth is a concern," Sheriff Robert Hardwick said. "Knowing what your children are consuming online and the activities they engage in should be a priority for parents. This incident is a perfect example of: If you see something, say something. Through out in-depth investigaiton in partnership with ATF and the State Attorney's Office, we are thankful to have prevented a tragedy in St. Johns County."
Although both juveniles attended school in St. Johns County, all actions occurred off campus and no threats were made towards any St. Johns County schools. Neither juvenile is permitted to return to any school.
"Although there was no direct threat made towards our schools, we are grateful for the actions taken by the Sheriff's Office, ATF and the State Attorney's Office, schools Deputy Superintendent Paul Abatinozzi said. "Collaboratively they each have played a role in keeping our schools and communities safe. This situation highlights the value of the FortifyFL app as a tool for students, families and our community to report potential threats."
This remains an active investigation.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Arrested boys with homemade weaponry feared to be planning something
