RICHWOOD, W.Va. — A Nicholas County man is facing a felony charge after police say he posted a threat online against Nicholas County School Superintendent Dr. Donna Burge-Tetrick.
James “Jim” Swartz Jr., 69, of Leivasy, faces one felony count of making threats of terrorist acts. State Police arrested Swartz last week.
Swartz’s alleged threat was written in the form of a Facebook comment on March 3. According to the criminal complaint, it read:
“Why don’t one of our red necks just shoot her. Not dead just a shoulder injury would do, lol.”
Nicholas County’s Board of Education, Superintendent, local elected officials, alumni associations, and residents are in the midst of a heated consolidation battle that would permanently close five schools–including two that were damaged beyond repair in Richwood during the floods of June 23.
Richwood Mayor Bob Henry Baber issued a statement condemning the threat.
“Speaking on behalf of all the people of Nicholas County, we condemn any threats of violence towards the Superintendent. Clearly we are a divided County, but we are united in repudiation of any and all violent words or actions.”
Swartz is free on $10,000 bond.