OPELIKA, Ala. – The Opelika Police Department has arrested 18-year-old Jacob Scott Howell on additional charges, following an ongoing criminal investigation.
On Monday, August 31, 2026, Howell was arrested for Making a Terrorist Threat, First-Degree, following an investigation into a planned violent attack against Opelika High School. Howell posted bond and was released from the Lee County Jail later that afternoon.
During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered child pornography on Howell’s electronic devices. On Thursday, September 3, Howell was arrested on 15 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
A bond hearing is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026.
Additionally, Howell is now banned from all school campuses in the state of Alabama.
This case remains under investigation by the Opelika Police Department. If you have any information, please contact the Opelika Police Department at (334) 705-5200 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665.
