The teenagers on Saturday allegedly taped threatening notes to the front doors, warning that the homes would be burned down if outdoor-decoration lights were not turned off until Dec. 14.

In a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Logan police Lt. Rod Peterson said officers interviewed and released five suspects, including one teenage male whose involvement appeared to be minimal.

"I'm impressed that they were willing to come forward," Peterson said, adding the teens accepted responsibility, expressed remorse, and are willing to be held accountable.

"I do believe it was a prank . . . I'm not sure they were thinking of the consequences. They meant it to be a joke," Peterson said. "They were shocked when they started to see the reaction of the media and the community in general."

Evette Hunt, a Logan resident whose 11-year-old daughter discovered the menacing note early Sunday morning, said she was relieved to learn that it was a prank.

"I am impressed that they came forward because they didn't have to, and the police probably wouldn't have been able to find them otherwise," Hunt said. "They will have to make restitution, however the authorities decide. It's not up to me to judge."

Logan Mayor Doug Thompson praised police for running a department that encourages straightforward solutions.

"This is what happens when you've got the safest community in America," Thompson said, referring to the designation announced Nov. 21 by Morgan Quitno Press. "Something like this gets people scared."

Peterson says the harassment case has been turned over to Logan's city attorney for review.

Following an analysis by Kymber Housley, he says appropriate charges will be filed, probably sometime in the next week.

"We want the community to know their homes are safe, and to enjoy this holiday season."

Police said they will not release a copy of the note or the suspects' names until charges are filed, summonses are served and the investigation is closed. They also declined to release the addresses of the victims.

Rumors that the pranksters left plates of cookies along with the threatening notes are erroneous, said Logan Police Lt. Richard Salvesen.

"I haven't heard anything like that, but it sounds like a good way to start making restitution," he said.

abrunson@sltrib.com