Both Broward and Palm Beach County school chiefs say the deadly shootings last week in Connecticut have sparked a number of phony threats against district schools.
The Sun-Sentinel reports that hoaxes have surfaced in Davie, Pompano Beach and Coral Springs. Palm Beach County school officials say they've been dealing with similar threats circulating on social media websites.
Both districts say there's no evidence that would substantiate any of the threats. But they're taking every rumor seriously and working closely with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, a Broward County teenager described as the ringleader in the 2009 attack of a middle-schooler doused with alcohol and set on fire has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Eighteen-year-old Matthew Bent was sentenced today for an aggravated battery conviction. Two other teenagers are already serving prison time for their roles in the attack on Michael Brewer, who was then 15.
Brewer survived by leaping into an apartment complex swimming pool but suffered severe burns. Trial testimony showed the attack stemmed from a dispute between Bent and Brewer over a marijuana pipe. Witnesses said the boys with Bent found a jug of rubbing alcohol and decided to pour it on Brewer.
Bent was acquitted in June of the more serious charge of attempted murder.
