5 teens face charges over threats on social media

Five juveniles face disorderly conduct charges over threatening comments posted on social media that led to a spike in Huntley High School students being absent from school, police said Wednesday.

The threats were made between Feb. 3 and 5, according to authorities. As a result, Huntley High School experienced an increase in absenteeism, specifically on Feb. 8, police said.

The McHenry County state's attorney's office authorized criminal charges against the male teenagers responsible. A 17-year-old from Lake in the Hills has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, while the rest - a 15-year-old from Algonquin, a 16-year-old from Lake in the Hills, a 17-year-old from Algonquin and a 16-year-old from Huntley - face felony disorderly conduct charges.

The teens have been petitioned to McHenry County Juvenile Court.

Huntley Police said students and parents should be vigilant of issues they believe may be unsafe or suspicious, and to report such matters to appropriate authorities for further investigation.