Student Facing Jail Time Over Song Threatening Matanzas Faculty Member

Palm Coast, FL - A Matanzas High School student is now facing charges after they recorded and released a song that contained threats against a school administrator. An investigation carried out by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) determined that 18-year-old Joseph Washington made the song in retaliation to being suspended for using offensive language while on campus. In the song, Washington threatens physical harm to the faculty member and states that he was suspended from school for a dress code violation and using vulgar language towards the administrator. He can also be heard saying that he will “gladly do it again.” Deputies made contact with Washington, who admitted to writing and recording the song. Washington additionally told deputies that he "knew the consequences of his actions could be that he was arrested and charged with a criminal offense." He added that he did not intend to carry out the threats, alleging that it was all just a "fantasy." “To anyone that still thinks saying ‘I was just kidding around or it’s a fantasy’ is going to get them out of being arrested when they threaten someone’s life, let this be a wake-up call,” Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We have a zero tolerance policy and we do not take threats like these lightly, especially when it comes to our schools. If you make threatening statements online, in writing and or even if veiled in songs, you will be arrested.” Washington was arrested and charged with sending written threats to kill. He was processed and booked into the Flagler County Jail, but was released by a judge pending trial.