Noose found hanging near entrance to Gotha Middle School

GOTHA  Police are currently investigating an incident in which a noose was found hanging near the front entrance to Gotha Middle, school officials said.

Parents received a ConnectORANGE phone call Wednesday, March 15, in which principal Patrice Knowles informed them of the discovery of the noose.

Knowles said in the call that upon arrival to school Wednesday morning staff and students found a rope tied in the form of a noose hanging near the school’s front entrance. It has since been taken down.

“The person or persons responsible for this will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Knowles said. “This type of incident will not be tolerated on any Orange County Public Schools campus. Extra security is on campus today, counselors are available on campus for any student or staff member who would like to discuss this.”

The incident is currently being investigated by Orange County Sheriff's Office school resource officers and OCPS district police. OCSO said that preliminary investigation does not indicate a crime has taken place at this time.

Parents were encouraged to contact the school if they have any further information or concerns regarding the incident.

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].