McHenry County teen may pay for cost of prank

A McHenry County teen who police say tried to prank a buddy by placing a mysterious white powder in his mailbox may soon find out that the joke is on him.

McHenry County authorities on Wednesday announced the arrest of the 16-year-old Harvard boy on a misdemeanor reckless conduct charge and said he may be on the hook for the costs of the massive emergency response his alleged actions triggered.

"He tried to pull a practical joke and it backfired on him," sheriff's Sgt. Michael Cisner said. "He got arrested and he might have to pay for all the manpower put into this. We have to send a message out that jokes and pranks like this won't be tolerated."

Cisner did not have a final tally Wednesday on the cost of the emergency response.

The arrest ends an investigation launched March 31 when sheriff's police, Harvard firefighters and a hazardous material crew responded to a home in Alden Township after its owner received an envelope filled with an unknown white powder, later determined to be talcum powder.

Writings left inside the envelope along with the powder were traced back to the 16-year-old boy who was questioned and ultimately confessed, Cisner said. He was arrested and later released to his mother's custody. His case was referred to juvenile court, authorities said.