OPELIKA, Ala. (WDNews) — A young man initially arrested in connection with an alleged planned attack against a school is now facing 15 additional charges after police say investigators found child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices.
According to the Opelika Police Department, Jacob Scott Howell was initially arrested Monday, Aug. 31, and charged with first-degree making a terrorist threat following an investigation into the alleged planned attack against the school.
Police said Howell posted bond and was released from the Lee County Jail later that afternoon.
During the investigation, detectives discovered what police identified as child pornography on Howell’s electronic devices.
Howell was arrested again Thursday, Sept. 3, and charged with 15 counts of possession of child pornography.
A bond hearing is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4.
According to Opelika police, Howell is now banned from all school campuses in Alabama.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department at 334-705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at 334-745-8665.
Tips may also be submitted through the Opelika Police Mobile App. Callers may remain anonymous.
