CLAYTON - The Rabun County Sheriff's Office, Rabun County Schools, and Mountain Circuit District Attorney's Office have released a joint statement regarding threats that led to the evacuation of two Rabun County schools on Friday, Oct. 23.
Sushma Ellis, 18, has been charged with one count of terroristic threats and acts that led to the evacuation of Rabun County Middle School and Rabun County High School.
Ellis has been expelled from Rabun County High School and will not return.
"It is believed that this incident resulted in part from mental health issues," the joint statement reads. "The student involved has cooperated, as has her family. The family is in the piocess of seeking help for their daughter and all authorities involved wish them the best in this difficult situation.
"The [Mountain Circuit] District Attorney's Office is responsible for any criminal prosecution which may follow," the statement continues. "The immediate focus is on allowing and assisting with mental health treatment. There will be consequences for the actions that took place; however, we wish to encourage the public to refrain from any harsh condemnation and to allow due process to unfold."
