Rutherford County, NC — A Marion woman has been sentenced in connection with a disturbing series of threats made against Isothermal Community College, which caused widespread fear and disrupted campus activities in October 2023. On June 25, 2025, Danielle Parker Gossett was convicted in Rutherford County Superior Court on multiple felony charges stemming from the incident.
Gossett was found guilty of two counts of felony making a false threat of mass violence to an educational property and one count of felony obstruction of justice, following a months-long investigation into threatening phone calls placed to the college. These threats, received on October 18 and 19, 2023, warned of a shooting if the college proceeded with its planned “Paint the Campus Blue” event on October 21. The event, designed to celebrate community and campus spirit, was nearly derailed by the credible nature of the threats.
The calls triggered an immediate response from college officials, who notified the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. Investigative Captain Chris Lovelace led the inquiry and, in coordination with state and federal partners, quickly identified Gossett as the perpetrator. The nature of the threats prompted heightened security measures on campus and widespread concern among students, faculty, and staff.
“Threats like these don’t just interrupt events — they instill real fear, they traumatize, and they compromise the sense of safety that every student and educator deserves,” said a spokesperson for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office. “We take every threat seriously and will continue to respond swiftly and thoroughly.”
During her sentencing, Gossett received two consecutive prison terms of six to seventeen months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. These sentences were suspended, contingent upon her successful completion of 30 months of supervised probation. However, she was ordered to serve 30 days in jail immediately, a consequence intended to underscore the gravity of her actions.
In addition to incarceration and probation, the court ordered Gossett to:
•Undergo a full mental health assessment and follow all recommended treatment.
•Pay restitution totaling $3,216.00 to Isothermal Community College for the costs incurred as a result of her threats.
•Pay $1,615.50 in court costs.
The prosecution of the case was praised by local law enforcement and officials from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), who supported the investigation. The District Attorney’s Office also received commendation for its strong stance on threats against educational institutions.
“This case underscores that making false threats of mass violence is not a joke, not a cry for attention, and not without serious consequences,” the Sheriff’s Office stated. “It’s a criminal act that deeply affects our community, our students, and our institutions. We’re grateful for the cooperation of all involved agencies in bringing about a just resolution.”
Isothermal Community College has since resumed regular operations and continues to emphasize the safety and well-being of its students and staff. The administration expressed relief at the resolution of the case and appreciation for the support of law enforcement and the justice system.
As for the broader implications, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact false threats can have on a community. Gossett’s conviction highlights the zero-tolerance approach authorities are taking toward any attempt to incite fear or disrupt public institutions through hoaxes or intimidation.
Gossett will remain under close supervision through her probation period and must comply with all court-ordered conditions. Any violation could lead to the activation of her suspended prison sentence.
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