FBI investigation into threatening social media posts leads to arrests in Georgia and California.
CANTON, Ga. — A 17-year-old from Metter, Georgia, is among three individuals arrested in connection with an alleged plot targeting Cherokee High School in Canton, according to information released by the Canton Police Department on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Shane Keith Taylor, 17, of Metter, was arrested Friday, October 23, and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Authorities say the investigation began after the FBI discovered threatening social media posts involving the high school. Two additional individuals, including a juvenile from Canton and a 21-year-old California man, have also been arrested.
Police have emphasized that there is currently no known ongoing threat to Cherokee High School or other Cherokee County schools.
According to Canton Police, the investigation began October 19 when the FBI identified concerning social media posts and notified the Cherokee County School District Police Department. School district police subsequently contacted Canton Police, prompting a joint investigation into the alleged threats.
On October 20, authorities arrested a juvenile from Canton on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and disruption or interference with public schools. The juvenile’s identity has not been publicly released.
As investigators continued examining the case, additional evidence led to arrest warrants being obtained on October 22 for two other individuals.
On Friday, October 23, Taylor was taken into custody in Metter with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies. The operation involved the FBI, Candler County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Taylor was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the alleged plot. Authorities have not publicly detailed Taylor’s specific alleged role or explained how he became connected to the other suspects.
Also on October 23, authorities arrested Michael Brandon Terry, 21, of Chatsworth, California, in connection with the investigation. Terry was taken into custody by the FBI and Los Angeles Police Department and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. At the time of the October 27 announcement, Terry was awaiting extradition to Georgia.
Investigators have not publicly explained how the three suspects allegedly communicated or whether they knew one another outside of online interactions.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers collected firearms, ammunition and electronic devices as evidence. Authorities have not disclosed whether the weapons were intended for use in the alleged plot or identified a specific date on which an attack was planned.
Investigators also have not released detailed information about the threatening social media posts that initially alerted federal authorities. The investigation remains active.
Following notification of the threats, the Cherokee County School District implemented additional safety measures. According to school officials, these included an increased law enforcement presence at Cherokee High School, communication with staff and families, and additional counseling resources for students and employees.
Authorities have reassured the school community that no ongoing threat is currently known. The case highlights the importance of reporting threatening online activity and the role cooperation among local, state and federal agencies can play in identifying potential threats before violence occurs.
Canton Police and their law enforcement partners continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Canton Police Department at 770-720-4883 or submit information to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
All three individuals face criminal allegations and are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources: Canton Police Department, October 27, 2026; Cherokee County School District; FBI and cooperating law enforcement agencies.
