ECKOLD RAISES BOND AMOUNT FROM $10,000 TO $100,000
A request for a bond reduction did not go as the defendant hoped in the matter of a school threat in Platte County.
Originally being held on a $10,000 cash-only bond, the 18-year-old accused of making a threat upon Platte County High School in Platte City on Wednesday, May 17 asked the court for a bond modification.
Via a video appearance from jail, Joshua D. Clark requested a bond reduction. The defendant’s request was denied, and Judge Dennis Eckold in fact ordered the suspect’s bond increased from $10,000 cash only to $100,000 cash only.
Clark’s attorney, Mark M. Ferguson of North Kansas City, then filed a request for discovery and the next court hearing was scheduled for Monday, May 22.
At Monday’s hearing, the defendant and his attorney appeared via video. Clark requested a return to the original bond amount.
Prosecutors did not oppose the requested modification from the defendant, as long as bond conditions remained in place. But the judge denied the request, leaving the bond amount at $100,000 cash only.
Clark on Tuesday, May 16 was charged by prosecutors with making a terrorist threat upon the high school. He is charged with a terrorist threat in the third degree, a misdemeanor.
As of Tuesday, Clark remains listed as in custody at the Platte County Jail. Conditions for bond will include house arrest and GPS monitoring, no contact with any Platte County schools, no possession of weapons, and a mental health evaluation.
His next court appearance is set for June 6.
The school threat matter was investigated by the Platte City Police Department, which had received information about a threat being made against the high school. Platte City police officers and Platte County R-3 school resource officers increased their presence at the high school on Friday, May 12.
According to court documents that include a probable cause statement by Det. James Tharp of the Platte City Police Department, on Sunday, May 14 witnesses saw Clark at a retail store in Platte City. Clark allegedly asked a witness if she had gone to school on Friday, May 12. According to court papers, when the witness indicated that she did, Clark allegedly stated: “You didn’t use me as an excuse not to go?”
Court papers allege further conversation ensued in which Clark allegedly said “What if I would have done it?” The witness says Clark at one point said “Tomorrow’s (Monday) the day.” According to court documents, in an interview with police Clark denied making that statement.
Clark was interviewed by police on Monday, May 15. At the conclusion of the interview he was arrested and placed on a 24 hour investigative hold. The next day, the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office filed the criminal charge.
Police described Clark as “a former student” at the school.