Two adults were arrested Wednesday following an investigation of a student threat about a planned incident at Walton Central School, Walton police said. There was never any immediate danger at the school, Superintendent Thomas Austin said.
A Monday report from a concerned parent about a student threatening to return to school with a handgun after Memorial Day weekend led to the recovery of the gun from a reservoir outside the village of Walton, police said.
Walton police Sgt. John Demeo said that acting on the parent's information, police conducted an investigation that is ongoing. It revealed that a handgun had been stolen from a house in the town of Tompkins, which had been reported to deputies May 19.
Following this lead, police were able to connect the gun to a student, though no one has been charged at this point. Similar work led to the recovery of the gun in the reservoir, he said.
As a result of the investigation, Jody Campbell, 52, Walton, was arrested Wednesday and charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Other charges are pending. He was sent to Delaware County jail on $1,000 bail. Michael C. McCall, 30, also of Walton, was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He was released on an appearance ticket. Demeo would not say what their role was in the incident or if they were related to any students at the school.
"We interviewed numerous students to try and help the police investigation but we never felt there was any immediate danger," Austin said. The school was never closed.
But following the start of a planned holiday recess Wednesday evening, Walton police, working with Delaware deputies and state police K-9 Unit, helped with a thorough search of the junior and senior high school building. The school was found to be completely safe. Austin thanked police for the long hours spent in the investigation, and school principal Michael MacDonald for his time working with the police and risk assessment.
Walton police also thanked deputies, the state police scuba team and the Walton Fire Department for their assistance in the investigation.
Local News
Police: Student made gun threat in Walton
- Local News
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Grand jury indicts Ganesh Ramsaran for 2nd degree murder
A Chenango County grand jury today handed up an indictment charging Ganesh "Remy" Ramsaran with second-degree murder in connection with the Dec. 11 killing of his 36-year-old wife, Jennifer, in the couple's home at 473 Sheff Road in New Berlin.
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Power restored in downtown Oneonta
After about a 4:30-minute power failure, power was restored to downtown Oneonta at 2:30 p.m., according to Ann Carnrike, field customer service representative for New York State Electric and Gas.
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Ramsaran released on $300K bail
Accused killer Ganesh "Remy" Ramsaran was freed from Chenango County Jail on Wednesday afternoon after he and relatives posted $300,000 worth of real estate to meet bail conditions set by County Judge Frank Revoir Jr.
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OHS climbers eye state's highest peak
Two Oneonta High School seniors plan to climb the state's highest mountain Friday to raise money for a nonprofit that promotes female empowerment.
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Area trooper commander to retire
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Police investigate fire at Delaware County shop
State police, county and state fire investigators are looking into the cause of a blaze at the New and Old Curiosity Shoppe on state Route 28 in the town of Middletown, Delaware County.
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Common Council to consider project on Spruce Street
A $1.7 million construction project along Spruce Street will be the topic of a public information meeting in Common Council Chambers at 6 tonight.
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Cuomo proposes SUNY tax-free zones
New York state would provide a tax-free environment on and around State University campuses under an initiative announced Wednesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
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Planners continue Blodgett plan review
Oneonta planners revisited answers pertaining to storm water drainage, traffic and noise Wednesday night as it continued considering environmental factors of a proposed student housing complex.
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One local school budget defeated
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Rx forms missing from hospital
About 800 blank prescription forms are missing from Bassett Medical Center, Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl said Wednesday.
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University women's group to hold final luncheon
After almost 75 years advocating for women and providing community programs, a local group will have a final luncheon today that also will mark its accomplishments.
- Wednesday, May 22, 2013
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Ramsaran freed on $300,000 bail
Accused killer Ganesh "Remy" Ramsaran was freed from Chenango County Jail this afternoon after he and relatives posted $300,000 worth of real estate to meet bail conditions set by County Judge Frank Revoir Jr.
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Area school budgets get voters' OK
With schools in the area proposing budgets at or below the state tax cap, all districts reporting by 10 p.m. said voters approved their spending plans.
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School budget voting results
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Tree-killing insect found near Unadilla
A tiny pest with a big appetite for ash trees has arrived in Delaware and Otsego counties, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
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Roxbury artist's portrait exhibit is a record-breaker
ROXBURY -- Greg Frederick is an artist who has likely broken more records than anyone reading this story today. By records, we mean that relic of the musical recording industry -- vinyl long-playing albums (the ones with the small hole in the center) and 45 revs per minute single records (the ones with the considerably larger hole in the center).
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Bruni to step down after 30 years
Children's programs, a computerized card catalog and online access to a world of information are among changes ushered in at the Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta by Marie Bruni since she became library director 30 years ago. "It's been great,'' Bruni, who plans to retire, told the Oneonta Common Council during a meeting in City Hall on Tuesday night.
- Tuesday, May 21, 2013
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State investigation seeks missing Bassett Rx pads
The state is investigating the possible theft of blank prescription pads from Bassett Medical Center, a spokeswoman for the hospital confirmed Monday.
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Classes resume after threats at schools
School was opened on schedule at two area schools where Internet threats caused lockdowns Friday afternoon, two superintendents said Monday as the investigations continued.
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Grand jury indicts Ganesh Ramsaran for 2nd degree murder
