Northwest Missouri State University has suspended an instructor at the heart of an online joke controversy, after he was charged with drug crimes.

In an announcement, the school said it will investigate to determine whether Matthew Rouch’es conduct violated pertinent University’s policies.

According to the announcement, “the university will complete its investigation as soon as possible.”

If the investigation determines a violation of University policy occurred, Rouch will face discipline consistent with the University’s policies up to and including termination.  Meanwhile, he is prohibited from entering University property.

The provost and the department chair are arranging for other professors to assume Rouch’es teaching and advising duties. Consistent with practice, the University will not provide further comment on the specific details of the investigation.

The school said it was made aware of the initial threat of violence made via social media, and the subsequent investigation by the University Police Department.

School officials insist they place “the utmost importance on the safety and security of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. ”

“University policies explicitly prohibit violence and threats of violence against members of the University community. University policies also explicitly prohibit employees from possessing, purchasing, manufacturing, using, selling, and/or distributing illegal drugs while on University property or as part of any University activities.”

According to a probable cause statement filed in Nodaway County Court, Rouch initially posted a comment on Facebook:  “…by October, I’ll be wanting to get up to the top of the bell tower with a high powered rifle – with a good scope, and probably a gatling gun as well.”

University Police Chief Clarence Green says Rouch admitted he authored the post and claimed it was meant in jest.  Rouch claimed he only has a pellet gun at his residence.  Rouch admitted he deleted the post referenced above.

Green also said in court documents that witnesses notified him of another comment from Rouch, in which he “claimed he had a bomb in a brief case or other bag.”

That’s when Green applied for a search warrant to search Rouch’es residence at 603 West 2nd Street in Maryville.

Inside the house, officials say they found a marijuana-growing operation, including several heated grow lamps, at least ten live plants, numerous bags of marijuana, and multiple bongs and other smoking pipes.

The evidence was sufficient for Prosecuting Attorney Bob Rice to file two counts against Rouch, producing a controlled substance, a class-b felony, and possession of a controlled substance, a class-c felony.