South Burlington Teen Accused of Online Threats to High School

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT – Josiah Leach, 18, stood before a federal judge today facing charges stemming from alleged threats made against students and faculty at South Burlington High School. The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced the charges, accusing Leach of knowingly transmitting interstate threats to injure others – a serious federal offense.

The details remain murky, but court records show Chief Judge Christina Reiss informed Leach of the single count against him and appointed Elizabeth Quinn of the Office of the Federal Public Defender to represent him. Leach, arrested Friday night, is currently held without bail, awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 27, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. He maintains his innocence, as is his right.

Federal prosecutors, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher, are building their case, though the specifics of the alleged threats haven’t been publicly released. Sources close to the investigation suggest the threats were made online, prompting a multi-agency response. The nature and scope of the threats are currently under seal, but authorities assure the public there is no ongoing danger to the school.

The swift arrest is a testament to the coordinated efforts of several law enforcement agencies. Acting United States Attorney Eugenia A.P. Cowles publicly thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Burlington Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Champlain College’s Leahy Center for Digital Investigations. The Leahy Center’s expertise in cyber forensics was reportedly crucial in tracing the threats back to Leach.

This isn’t simply a local issue; the charge of knowingly transmitting threats in interstate commerce carries significant penalties. If convicted, Josiah Leach could face years in federal prison and substantial fines. The investigation continues, with authorities digging deeper into the motive behind the alleged threats and whether any co-conspirators were involved.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops. The safety of students and faculty is paramount, and we’ll bring you the unvarnished truth about this disturbing incident. The detention hearing next Thursday will likely reveal more details about the evidence against Leach and the potential danger he allegedly posed to the South Burlington community.

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