Added security remains in place as schools threat investigation continues

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Additional security measures remained in place as classes resumed in the town’s schools this week, while local police are leading an ongoing, multi-agency investigation into an anonymous threat against schools in three communities.

“We’re still working on some leads and some tips,” Johnston Police Maj. Frank Levesque said Wednesday.

Local schools have been on alert since Tuesday of last week, when Johnston police received an anonymous, hand-written, one-page letter in the mail that threatened elementary schools in Johnston, Cranston and Warwick. Police have said the note included a reference to beheading, and that a timeframe of Oct. 8 through Oct. 10 was provided.

Johnston authorities subsequently reached out to their Cranston and Warwick counterparts, and plans were put in place to post an officer at all schools for the duration of the week.

In Johnston, Levesque said the decision was made to scale back the continual presence of police at schools following the Columbus Day holiday, although both plainclothes and uniformed officers continue to make checks at all schools during the day.

“We’re there during drop-off and dismissal times,” he added.

State and federal authorities are currently assisting local law enforcement with the investigation into the threatening letter. Levesque said the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working with local officials in an attempt to identify from where the threatening letter was mailed.

The major urged anyone with information regarding the threat to contact Johnston detectives at 401-231-4210.

Attendance figures plummeted across all three communities on Oct. 8 but did rebound as the week drew to a close. Johnston Superintendent Dr. Bernard DiLullo said 42 percent of students were absent on Wednesday of last week, although the figure improved as the week wore on.

On Tuesday, DiLullo and members of the School Committee praised law enforcement, the district’s employees and members of the community for their efforts.

“Everything did go well,” said District 1 representative Robert LaFazia. “As a grandparent, I was a nervous wreck,” said District 2 representative Lorraine Iafrate, who joined District 3 representative and Chairwoman Janice Mele in thanking all involved.

District 5 representative Susan Mansollilo applauded “everyone who worked so hard to make our children feel safe during this time,” while District 4 representative Joseph Rotella said “everybody stepped up to the plate.”

“Everybody did a phenomenal job,” said DiLullo.

Following the threat, legislators from the three communities were prompt in calling for stiff penalties for the individual or individuals responsible. State senators from Warwick, Cranston and Johnston said they propose making it a felony for an individual to make a clear threat of physical injury against school children, punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years and/or a fine of up to $100,000. The legislation, which is expected to be introduced during the first week of the 2015 General Assembly session that begins in January, is being prepared by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick), Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston), Sen. Frank Lombardo III (D-Dist. 25, Johnston), Sen. Erin P. Lynch (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), Sen. Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick) and Sen. William A. Walaska (D-Dist. 30, Warwick).

The announcement by the senators followed by a day a statement by Rep. Deborah A. Fellela (D-Dist. 43, Johnston) that she would introduce similar legislation in the House of Representatives in January.

The senators said they would work with their House colleagues for quick passage and enactment of such legislation. Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed and House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello are supporting their work.

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