ATLANTIC COUNTY – A Galloway Township man, the husband of the Pinelands Regional School District superintendent currently on administrative leave, is being held in jail after authorities allege he made explicit, targeted threats to kill two individuals connected to the school community, including a school principal and a board of education member.
Lucas P. McCooley remains incarcerated following a detention hearing in Atlantic County, where prosecutors outlined allegations that he threatened to carry out shootings and steps that investigators say demonstrate premeditation.
According to documents provided by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, McCooley is accused of making statements about killing specific individuals and writing names directly on bullets recovered by law enforcement. Authorities say the names written on the ammunition included “Troy” and “Algie.” Investigators later identified those names as Troy Henderson, believed to be the principal of Pinelands Regional High School, and August Daleo, president of the Pinelands Board of Education.
The affidavit alleges McCooley made repeated and graphic threats, including statements about going to one individual’s home and shooting him. Prosecutors say those threats were captured in audio recordings and supported by physical evidence collected during the investigation.
The charges stem from an April 12 domestic violence incident that led to the issuance of a restraining order and the seizure of multiple firearms from McCooley’s residence. During that search, authorities recovered ammunition allegedly marked with names, along with a handgun and an AR-style rifle.
Authorities said a subsequent examination of that rifle determined it met the legal definition of an illegal assault firearm under New Jersey law due to features including a detachable magazine, pistol grip, and threaded barrel, resulting in a second-degree weapons charge.
Prosecutors further allege that McCooley violated a restraining order just days later by contacting the victim through social media, leading to additional charges of contempt of a court order and harassment.
McCooley has been charged but not convicted. The allegations against him remain subject to the judicial process, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
A pre-indictment conference in the case is scheduled for May 13 in Atlantic County Superior Court.
The case first came to light through an anonymous tip to media outlets, with details later confirmed through court filings and official records.
District Impact And Administrative Leave
McCooley’s arrest has drawn renewed attention to the Pinelands Regional School District, where his wife, Dr. Melissa McCooley, was placed on paid administrative leave following a March 23 executive session.
Board officials have emphasized that the action is administrative in nature and not a disciplinary finding of wrongdoing. Under the terms of that action, she has been barred from district property, prohibited from contacting staff, and denied access to district systems while an internal review is conducted.
Dr. Kimberly Clark has been appointed as acting superintendent to ensure the continued operation of the district during that process.
Additional personnel actions were also taken earlier in the timeline. Business Administrator Amanda Miller and IT Supervisor Kevin Meara were placed on paid administrative leave as part of the broader situation, according to prior reporting and statements made during board proceedings.
Pinelands Board of Education President August Daleo declined to comment in detail on the case, and said he first learned of the allegations from law enforcement.
“I’m letting the legal system handle it,” Daleo added. “When I first heard about it, I was very shocked. I really don’t know what to say about it.”
