Two minors have confessed to felony charges concerning a bomb threat at Ventura High School, as announced by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. During an incident on May 2, the school was besieged with a threatening call claiming a bomb was on the premises along with plans for a shooting, leading to a swift lockdown and a substantial law enforcement response to secure the site and search for suspects.
According to a report from the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, one juvenile, having been found guilty of three felony counts—malicious informing of a false bomb, conspiracy, and criminal threats—was sentenced on June 4 to the highest level of juvenile probation. Running quickly around the courtroom, Judge Kevin DeNoce handed down the sentence of wardship under Welfare and Institutions Code section 602.
Another hearing on May 21 for the second minor culminated in admission to two felony charges related to the false bomb threat. With jurisdiction due to the minor's residence being in Santa Barbara County, the case has been transferred for sentencing, as stated by law, to the Santa Maria Juvenile Courthouse. An interim hearing is slated for June 10, with the final sentencing on June 17.
Juvenile Unit Supervisor Maureen Byrne remarked on the resolution of the case, “The juveniles who committed the false bomb threat and school shooting threat, have been held accountable for their criminal conduct,” expressing the sentiments of officials grappling with the consequences of such trepidations. The community, standing on the edge of chaos, was cast into a state of fear due to the events at Ventura High School that day. Byrne went on to laud the swift actions of school staff and the Ventura Police Department for identifying the culprits and reestablishing safety on campus.
