A Massachusetts teen is facing numerous charges after alleged threats online led police to search his home and uncover weapons, drugs and $15,000 in cash.
Eighteen-year-old Nathan A. Steele was ordered to be held without bail during his arraignment on multiple charges, including possession of a firearm without a license, unlawful distribution of a class D substance, willfully communicating a threat and disturbing the peace.
Clinton police said they received a report Wednesday morning about a Clinton High School student, identified as Steele, mentioned a teacher and assistant principal in a derogatory way in a social media post, adding, "I'm going out witta bang."
When officers and school officials tried to speak with Steele, he allegedly became uncooperative and fled to another part of the school. He was found inside of a classroom and taken into police custody.
Officers did not find a firearm or any other weapon on Steele when they placed him into police custody at the school.
"Yesterday, obviously there were some concerning remarks brought to our attention, through a parent that had been informed by a student, who immediately alerted our administration at the high school," Dr. Steven Meyer, superintendent of Clinton Public Schools, said.
Investigators later found and seized a variety of weapons, including a .45 caliber Sig Sauer firearm, ammunition and a crossbow, from Steele's home on Chestnut Street. Prescription pills, marijuana and marijuana edibles, drug paraphernalia and packaging and $15,000 in cash hidden inside a sock were also allegedly found and seized, according to police.
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After finding the weapons and drugs, police arrested Steele.
"You have to report it, that's the crucial link in preventing these types of incidents," Clinton Police Chief Marc Laverdure said.
Steele could face additional charges amid the ongoing investigation, according to police.
He's due back in court on May 29. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
