Web threats referencing NIU lead to teen's arrest

A former East Aurora High School student was in a Kane County juvenile courtroom on Wednesday, accused of posting Internet statements referencing the slayings at Northern Illinois University, authorities said.

The 15-year-old Aurora boy is charged with three counts each of disorderly conduct and electronic harassment in connection with postings on the MySpace.com site, prosecutors said.

The two postings, reported last weekend to Aurora police and school officials, made a reference to the Valentine's Day rampage at NIU. Extra police Tuesday were patrolling the East Aurora campus.

The student had been removed from the school about two weeks ago for an unrelated matter, school officials said, adding the teenager told police, and in the postings, he never intended to hurt anyone.

The school, in a statement Tuesday, also said counselors would be made available for students, and parents would be kept apprised of the situation via an emergency phone system.

The teenager's charges are misdemeanor offenses. He is being held in Kane County's juvenile jail until he is due in court again March 12, prosecutors said.