Three Lee County Juveniles Charged In School Threat

Keokuk, IA – Three Central Lee High School students have been charged in connection to threats being made toward students and faculty members. The Lee County Sheriff's Office has arrested Jacob Schulte, 15, of Keokuk; Stephen Copeland, 16, of Donnellson; and Dalton Bird, 17, of Franklin. They have each been charged with 1 count of conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. The Sheriff's Office says the 3 students planned to bring several guns to the school. Chief Deputy Jim Scholl says the incident was supposed to take place either yesterday or today. Lee County Attorney Mike Short says there are a number of handwritten notes between the juveniles. Some messages were even written using a special code. Schulte and Bird remain in custody at the Lee County Juvenile Dentention Center. Copeland was released to a relatie and ordered to not have contact with the other two. During yesterday's preliminary hearing, it was revealed that Copeland withdrew from the plan and alerted authorities. Short says that while Copeland is still charged in the case, his cooperation could lead to the charge being dropped. Short says conspiracy to commit a forcible felony is a class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. The Central Lee School District says classes are scheduled for today, though parents have the option to keep their children out.