UPDATE: Man charged with making threats against Monroe County School District makes first court appearance

Christopher Cooper, the man charged with making "disturbing" threats of violence toward the Monroe County School District, made his first court appearance on Monday, with Judge Tommy Wilson setting his bond at $1 million.
Christopher Cooper
Christopher Cooper (Photo: Monroe County Sheriff's Office)

UPDATE (9/9): Christopher Cooper, the man charged with making “disturbing” threats of violence toward the Monroe County School District, made his first court appearance on Monday, with Judge Tommy Wilson setting his bond at $1 million.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office says if Cooper makes bond, his conditions will be set as follows:

  • Shall not possess or be around firearms of any kind and is not allowed to possess knives.
  • Shall forfeit all firearms that he owns or has access to and said firearms shall be turned over to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office prior to his release from incarceration.
  • Banned from Monroe County Schools and all schools in the state of Georgia, from all childcare facilities, from all business or institutions that cater to or serve minors, and from any location that
  • minors congregate to include the Monroe County Recreation Department.
  • Banned from the Towaligia Judicial Circuit which includes Butts, Lamar and Monroe Counties.
  • Banned from all social media sites (ban includes using them, accessing them or communicating on them).
  • Shall cooperate with a mental evaluation, the results of which shall be issued to the Superior Court judge hearing this case.
  • Shall take all medications prescribed.

Should Cooper make bond, he will be on house arrest and will be required to pay for an ankle monitor that will be installed prior to his release from incarceration.


UPDATE (9/6) : The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man in connection with “disturbing” threats of violence towards the Monroe County School District, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a news release, deputies identified 26-year-old Christopher Cooper as the suspect. Deputies say they had Cooper under surveillance throughout the night.

An arrest warrant was executed at his home on Friday, and Cooper has been booked into the Monroe County Jail, where he’s being held without bond.

Cooper is charged with dissemination of information relating to terroristic acts. He was also served with a temporary protective order.

If you have any information, contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 994-7010 or the Investigations Division at (478) 994-7043.

You can contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office through Facebook, Instagram or the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office App, where you may remain anonymous.


UPDATE (9/5) : The Forsyth Police Department said in a news release Thursday night it was made aware of “potential threats” being made toward Monroe County schools.

“We take these types of incidents very seriously and will be increasing patrol around all schools starting tomorrow morning,” the release stated. “If you have any information, please contact the Forsyth Police Department at 478-993-1005.”


ORIGINAL STORY (9/5):

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating threatening comments that it says could be considered terroristic threats.

In a Facebook post Thursday night, the sheriff’s office said it is taking the comments seriously and will have multiple units stationed at all schools Friday morning.

“If you have any information on this matter, we ask you to please contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at 478-994-7010 or the Investigations Division at 478-994-7043,” the post stated.

No additional details were provided.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Categories: Featured, Local News, Monroe County