January 1, Middle School Teacher Charged with Felony Over Notes

Michigan authorities charged a St. Clair Shores art teacher with a felony for allegedly passing out three notes with threatening tones at Jefferson Middle School.

Johnna Rhone was arraigned on one count of making a false report of threat or terrorism. The 59-year-old faces up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

Prosecutors say Rhone distributed three handwritten notes, one reading, “Start break early. He’s gonna do it. Just don’t be in the hall after lunch. Boom. Get it?”

Officials say Rhone slipped notes under three doors: a classroom, the media center, and the library.

“I only read things like this and it has one plain straightforward meaning,” Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido told reporters after the hearing. 

“I wouldn’t want to be around the school nor would I want my own child or children to be around that school. And I don’t think any parent would want their kid around the school when somebody is making a threat of that nature. We are all on high alert.”

“These are unprecedented times with unprecedented things that are happening,” Lucido added.

Lucido wouldn’t disclose the contents of the second and third notes, adding they could be considered threatening under certain interpretations.

According to a statement from Lakeview Public Schools Superintendent Karl Paulson, Rhone has been teaching art at Jefferson Middle School for 21 years and has never had any serious complaints or concerns raised about her during her tenure. The district has placed her on administrative leave.

“This alleged behavior is unacceptable and disappointing,” Paulson said in the statement. “Lakeview is committed to providing a quality education for the students and families of our community.”

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Teacher charged with felony over notes at St. Clair Shores middle school