Full Notification

On August 28th, 2014, the Newark Police Department received information regarding possible threatening messages that were posted on a Newark Memorial High School teacher’s Twitter account in April, May, and June of 2014. While the Newark Police Department was never contacted by a victim or complainant, the department directed its resources to investigate this potential public safety issue. Officer Ryan Johnson conducted a very thorough investigation interviewing teachers, students, school administrators, and other school staff.
After completing the investigation and researching Penal Code Section 422 (Criminal Threats), the Newark Police Department determined the tweets, while inappropriate and unprofessional, did not meet the elements to establish a violation of the code. The police department submitted the investigation to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for review. After reviewing the investigation the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges.