TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Clearwater man who allegedly threatened his son’s school in Hillsborough County will remain jailed until trial, a judge ruled Monday.
Prosecutors argued that Esteban Del Valle, 35, is a threat to the community because he allegedly threatened a mass shooting at Gorrie Elementary School after his son was disciplined.
Del Valle reportedly texted the threat to another person, who reported the threat to law enforcement, officials said.
Detectives testified Monday that Del Valle’s son allegedly made a school threat and was being suspended for it. Del Valle believed his son was being demonized.
Del Valle was arrested during a traffic stop in Pinellas County, and officers reportedly found two bullets in his vehicle, but no guns, officials said.
“This case should send a strong message to anyone who threatens our children, teachers, and school communities,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said in a statement. “We take these threats seriously, and you will be held accountable for your actions. Our community is safer with this defendant behind bars.”