Bergen County man also faces child pornography charge
John Coulouris, 18 (Photo: Essex County Prosecutor's Office)
John Coulouris was arrested at his home late Monday on a range of charges, including endangering the welfare of a child by distributing child pornography, invasion of privacy, terroristic threats and two counts of cyber harassment, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Livingston Police Chief Craig M. Handschuch announced in a joint statement.
Coulouris posted messages on various social media sites "threatening violence in Livingston on or about Sept. 6," officials said in a statement. Livingston police learned of the menacing posts based on reports from concerned citizens.
The statement issued Tuesday did not specify if Coulouris allegedly threatened any specific location in the township, but police previously responded to threats against Livingston High School.
Threats to 'shoot up' school not coming from students, officials say
Authorities on Sept. 13 announced they were investigating a "a non-specific threat" on social media, which mentioned the town's high school. Officials assured residents the threats were not considered credible, but increased police presence at the school.
The threats continued on social media and reportedly included a message that a person would "shoot up" the school. In response, the district canceled its planned back-to-school night and had a delayed opening.
"Please know these actions were not made by a current LHS student," Superintendent Christina Steffner and Livingston High School Principal said in a previous joint statement. "Police have called the threats not credible."
The prosecutor's office did not immediately disclose what led to the child pornography and invasion of privacy charges against Coulouris. It was also not yet clear what, if any, connection the Bergen County resident had to the town or school district.
Coulouris was ordered held at the Essex County jail in lieu of $175,000 bail, according to officials.
"Additional charges may be forthcoming," the prosecutor's statement added. "The investigation is active and ongoing."
Authorities asked anyone with information to call the prosecutor's office tips line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.