Local student charged with criminal threats
The Imperial County District Attorney’s Office said the Imperial High School student that allegedly threatened to harm other students is facing three charges of making criminal threats.
Imperial County District Attorney Gilbert G. Otero announced Thursday that charges were filed against Karl Manaig, 18 of Imperial, in connection with the alleged threats made last Friday.
Manaig was charged with three counts of making criminal threats in violation of California Penal Code Section 422.
According to investigative reports, Manaig threatened to kill or cause bodily injury to students in two different classrooms at Imperial High School. After receiving information from officials at the high school, the case was investigated by the Imperial Police Department with assistance from the Imperial Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which is led by Homeland Security Investigations.
The case was submitted to the District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday. “Our history of collaborating with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies allows us to promptly assess threats such as this so that offenders are held accountable and teachers and students are protected” said District Attorney Otero. “In addition to federal agents, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force includes one investigator and one attorney from the District Attorney’s Office as well as one probation officer.”
“This case demonstrates how law enforcement, school officials and students, can work together to help save lives and prevent a potential violent and tragic situation from happening in our communities and schools,” said David Shaw, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in Calexico.
“The great partnership between HSI Calexico and the Imperial Police Department is one of the reasons why we were able to respond and investigate this threat quickly and effectively. We are committed to exhausting all resources whenever possible in order to prevent an attack before it happens. It is critical that community members remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviors to authorities-“if you see something, say something.'”
District Attorney Otero echoed Special Agent Shaw’s remarks concerning the role of citizens in reporting criminal activity. “We recognize the importance of community involvement in keeping our children safe. The fact that students were willing to report the incident demonstrates a level of maturity that should be commended” Otero stated. Manaig was released on bail and will be arraigned at 2:00 p.m. on February 26 in the Brawley West Department of the Imperial County Superior Court
