As gun violence and threats of attack continue to plague our schools, one Florida sheriff has had enough and is making drastic changes. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, posted on Facebook that he takes all threats of violence seriously and will begin sharing the images of offenders and their names, no matter their age. Chitwood also plans to press charges against the parents of minors making threats or committing crimes. He says it’s time for a change.
True to his word, Chitwood posted an image of 11-year-old Carlo “Kingston” Dorelli, who was charged with a felony after threatening to commit a shooting at Creekside or Silver Sands Middle School. During a media conference, Chitwood said, “This is absolutely out of control, and it ends now.”
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Chitwood warned the public what was coming.
He posted a video on Facebook on September 13 stating that his office was already dealing with multiple calls about potential school shootings. He said he planned to take all threats seriously and would handle suspects accordingly.
“For you parents out there, today’s hoax cost around $21,000. There’s two people in custody. We’re coming after you, and starting Monday, your little cherub, we’re going to start publishing his face and doing perp walks with him when we take him into custody,” he said. “And then, we’re going to show pictures of you, the parents, ’cause if you don’t want to raise your kids, Sheriff Chitwood’s going to raise them.”
Chitwood reiterated that nothing about a threat is funny.
He made it clear to anyone watching that he was serious and would handle all threats accordingly.
“You think it’s a joke, you’re going to find you’re a– in handcuffs, and you’re going to find your a– being paraded in front of the news media behind me, and your parents are going to be filmed as they come and pick you up. Parents, get your kids in line. Or, your checkbook’s gonna hurt and your pride’s gonna hurt. I promise,” he continued during the media conference.
Dorelli allegedly made a written threat.
According to Chitwood’s Facebook post, Dorelli had a written list of names and targets and said, “It was all a joke.”
During the investigation, Volusia County deputies recovered “a bunch of airsoft rifles, pistols and fake ammunition along with knives, swords and other weapons he was showing off to other students in a video.”
The middle school student was charged with a felony. It is unclear what charges his parents may face at this point.
True to his word, Chitwood posted Dorelli's photo.
The sheriff posted the minor’s picture, a photo of weapons reportedly recovered from his home, and a video of Dorelli handcuffed and walking into jail. The sheriff showed no mercy due to the child’s age, writing, “I can and will release the names and photos of juveniles who are committing these felonies, threatening our students, disrupting our schools and consuming law enforcement resources.”
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Many people praised the sheriff's approach.
Chitwood’s posts got a lot of attention, and many commented on the minor’s photo.
This person praised the sheriff, writing, “Great job keeping our schools and children safe. If he’s old enough to make these kinds of threats then he’s old enough to be held accountable!”
Another person had a suggestion: “Don’t forget to post the bullies too. They are the TRUE problem. They deserve as much publicity as the shooters.”
The situation made one mom sad. “As the mother of an 11 year old compounded with the look on this Childs face I am heartbroken. How did our society get here? How did this child not know consequences especially after our nations daily news?” she commented. “Where are this Childs parents? This should be a huge WAKE UP call to our community! I need to go hug this child and ask why he needed to make a list to hurt people and feel this Joke was ok to do.”
