HILLSBOROUGH -- Two teenagers are on probation after admitting to posting a threatening online message last year.
Shane Long, 17, and Caleb Etheridge, 16, went before a judge Monday afternoon. They're accused of posting a picture on social media of two boxes of ammunition, with the caption "Ready to Shoot the School Up." The teenagers were attending Chapel Hill High School at the time.
"The two are step brothers and one had created a meme that was troubling and then sent it to the step brother who posted it on social media," said Senior Assistant District Attorney Lamar Proctor.
The teens were charged with making a false report of mass violence, a felony. On Monday, a judge handed down a "deferred prosecution." The teens didn't officially plead guilty, but did admit to the allegations.
"They didn't technically plead guilty. Their cases are held open with admitting they did what's alleged," said Proctor.
As a result, their case will remain open and the teens were placed on probation. If they violate it, they could be tried for the crime.
But before adjourning, Judge Joseph Buckner scolded the teens, telling them they disrespected their mothers and the dangers of posting such a threat.
"We got Sandy Hook. We got all these sad, hurt parents whose children already got killed," said Buckner.
The teens will also have to perform community service. There is no word on if they're still students at Chapel Hill High.