MARION, Ill. -- Marion's Little Treasures Child Development Center was swarmed by police Thursday after receiving multiple texts threatening the center.Â
The main threat aimed at the school was a bomb had been placed in the school. Immediately, Little Treasures evacuated the center and police with K9s checked out the scene, but nothing was found.
“Nothing motivates law enforcement into action faster than threats which involve our children," said Sheriff Jeff Diederich. "The quick action of Little Treasures Child Development Center staff and [its collaborators] delivered a suspect and timely closure to this matter."Â
Police were first noted of a threatening text sent to Little Treasures on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday, the center received more specific threats, triggering police to visit the Old Route 13 location in Carterville. While on the scene, another text came through reading "Today watch urselfs."Â
At 9:43 a.m., the center was sent two messages including a bomb threat. The center was immediately evacuated of employees and children. K9 officers were unable to find any evidence of bombs on the property.Â
Police were able to gather enough information to locate the source of the texts: Little Treasures employee Jerica L. Ogden. She confessed to the texts and was arrested for the Class X Felony of Making a Terrorist Threat. Ogden has been placed in Williamson County Jail.
Police have determined there to be no further threat to Little Treasures centers at this time.Â
