Leavenworth teen sentenced to probation after making school shooting threats

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (KCTV) - A judge sentenced a teenager to probation after prosecutors said he used Snapchat to threaten a shooting at Leavenworth High School.

Kaden Ray Bentley, 18, had been in the Leavenworth County Jail for about six months leading up to his sentencing. The county attorney asked the judge to sentence Bentley to an additional two years behind bars. The judge used discretion and sentenced Bentley to three years of probation.

The judge also ordered Bentley to find and maintain a job, earn his GED and pay court costs. Bentley is also required to complete an anger management course and comply with any additional recommended treatment.

“As prosecutors, our priority is ensuring the safety of our schools and community,” Todd Thompson, Leavenworth County Attorney, said. “Threats of violence - made in person or online – can have serious consequences. This case serves as a reminder that words do matter.” Thompson continued, “This defendant served 185 days in jail. As prosecutors, we don’t get to set the sentence; we can only respect what the judge decides.”

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A jury convicted Bentley of Aggravated Criminal Threat during a trial that took place on Jan. 21, 2025.

In Sept. 2024, Leavenworth police officers were alerted to a potential school shooting threat on the social media platform. Bentley was located at home at Fort Leavenworth, in which he sometimes stayed with a family member.

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