Teenager accused in school threat to be tried as adult
DONNELLSON, IA (AP) -- A teenager accused of plotting a deadly attack at his high school in southeastern Iowa will be tried as an adult.
Seventeen-year-old Dalton Bird of Franklin appeared Monday for a hearing in Lee County. He was among three teenagers charged last month with conspiracy to commit a forcible felony at Central Lee High School near Donnellson.
Bird had his charge downgraded today to a misdemeanor and had his case moved to adult court. Lee County Attorney Mike Short says the case was moved partly because Bird is only two months from his 18th birthday.
Short says Bird will remain in custody until he enters a high-intensity supervision program designed for 18- to 21-year-olds. Bird must also cooperate with treatment programs.
The other teens charged in the incident are 15-year-old Jacob Schulte of Keokuk, and 16-year-old Stephen Copeland of Donnellson.
Short says the charge may be dropped against Copeland, who withdrew from the plot and alerted school officials on Dec. 19.
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