Fenton student charged in bomb scare

A 17-year-old Fenton High School student is facing a felony disorderly conduct charge after he was accused of posting on Facebook that there was a bomb inside the Bensenville school.

Eric Stout of Bensenville was being held Monday in DuPage County jail in lieu of $150,000 bail. Bensenville police took him into custody late Sunday after someone saw the threatening message on Facebook and reported it to authorities.

“Any allegation, any incident that may involve the threat to students — or anyone at a school — we take very seriously,” DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin said. “And we have to in this day and age.”

Authorities were trying to determine why the message was posted. School officials said Stout claimed he was kidding.

Fenton District 100 officials said Stout, a junior, was a student “in good standing.”

“He had no discipline issues at Fenton High School,” said Teri Wood, the district's community relations director.

Stout has been charged with one count of disorderly conduct related to making a false bomb threat. It is a felony punishable by up to two to five years in prison.

Probation also is an option if Stout is convicted.

In a statement on the school's website, Fenton officials said the Cook County bomb squad and a canine search team checked the building Monday morning and found it safe and secure.

The school followed its normal schedule and had counselors available throughout the day to meet with students.

“We were able to follow a regular school day where our students were in class and engaged in learning,” Superintendent Kathie Pierce said.

Stout's next court appearance is March 14.