On Wednesday November 19, 2008 the Rochelle Police K-9 Unit coordinated a search of the Rochelle Township High School. The search was conducted with the cooperation of the Rochelle Township High School administration. Rochelle detectives and patrol officers assisted, as well as K-9 units from Dekalb City, Dekalb County, Stephenson County, Carroll County, Ogle County, Oregon, Sterling, Dixon, Jo Davies County, and the Illinois State Police District 1. The search consisted of student lockers and the student parking lot.

As a result of the search a K-9 unit alerted on a vehicle belonging to Jessie N. Thornton, 18, of Chana, who was subsequently arrested for Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, less than 2.5 grams, a Class C Misdemeanor. Thornton posted $75.00 cash bond and was released, with a court date of December 24, 2008 at the Ogle County Court House.