Former Black Student Group Leader Admits To Tweeting Anonymous Threats Against Black Students To Get Attention

ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A former leader of a black student group has admitted tweeting anonymous threats against fellow black college students in New Jersey last fall.

Kayla McKelvey pleaded guilty Monday to creating a false public alarm. The former Kean University student faces a possible sentence of 90 days in jail plus restitution.

Prosecutors said the 25-year-old McKelvey tweeted threats from a campus library because she wanted more people to attend a November 2015 rally on racial issues. She then returned to the rally to tell people about the threats.

Kean released a statement in December saying it was "saddened" to learn a former student and rally participant was allegedly behind the threats.

"As a diverse academic community, we wholeheartedly respect and support activism, however, no cause or issue gives anyone the right to threaten the safety of others," the school said. "We hope this information will begin to bring a sense of relief and security to the campus community."

Last week, a judge rejected McKelvey's request to participate in pretrial intervention that would have spared her jail time.

The state will also recommend that McKelvey pay $82,000 to cover the police response and heightened security caused by the threats.

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