Over the past few weeks, there have been several reports of people dressing up as clowns and threatening and harassing people. These reports have surfaced across the country, including in Ohio, Texas and North Carolina. Many of the reports have come from school districts.

The 'killer clown craze' has apparently made its way to Colorado Springs. According to a police spokesman with the Colorado Springs Police Department, a 15-year-old boy has been arrested for making threats on social media. While the spokesman did not elaborate on the threats, he did say, "This kid is not a credible threat. Just by making these statements, what that can do to a community and a school -- the reaction -- that's what he is being held accountable for."

The school associated with the threats is Academy School District 20, which is the district the teen attends as well. Specific schools were not identified.

There were letters sent home to parents of students attending Adams 12 Five Start Schools and Jeffco Public Schools. The letters said that while the threats were considered hoaxes and were not credible, the districts had been targeted.

Police investigated a similar case in Greeley last week, and two students could end up charged in that case.

While it's not known what has started the clown sightings or threats or why it has become so far-flung, those who face charges need to ensure their rights are protected. An attorney can provide more information on potential penalties, defense strategies and legal options. These are certainly cases where a conviction can have a significant impact on your life.

Source: The Denver Post, "Colorado Springs police arrest 15-year-old boy accused of making clown threats," Jesse Paul, Oct. 04, 2016