False Bomb Threats at Two Keys High Schools Cause Evacuation of Students and Staff
UPDATE 12/17/2015: The Monroe County Sheriff reports there may be an arrest soon in the case of false bomb threats called into two Keys’ High Schools on Monday morning. According to investigators, it appears an out of town suspect made the calls in order to help a friend get out of going to classes at Marathon High. The suspect reportedly mistakenly called Key West High claiming there was a bomb on campus and once the error was discovered called Marathon High School with the same false threat. If charged the suspect will face the possibility of up to fifteen years in prison, $10,000 in fines, and restitution including the costs of extensive law enforcement response to both schools.
Original Report 12/14/15:
Both Key West High and Marathon High received false bomb threats early this morning. Students and staff at both schools were evacuated after law enforcement investigated cleared the areas finding no legitimate threats. Marathon High students and staff returned to classes. Key West High is closed for the day.
The Sheriff’s Office will be investigating the circumstances of the bomb threats. Investigating detectives will work with Key West Police to determine if the bomb threat at Key West High School this morning is related to the call at Marathon High School.
Calling in a false bomb threat is a second degree felony. See statute below:
790.163 False report about planting bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction; penalty.—
(1) It is unlawful for any person to make a false report, with intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform any person, concerning the placing or planting of any bomb, dynamite, other deadly explosive, or weapon of mass destruction as defined in s. 790.166; and any person convicted thereof commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law, adjudication of guilt or imposition of sentence for a violation of this section may not be suspended, deferred, or withheld. However, the state attorney may move the sentencing court to reduce or suspend the sentence of any person who is convicted of a violation of this section and who provides substantial assistance in the identification, arrest, or conviction of any of his or her accomplices, accessories, coconspirators, or principals.
(3) Proof that a person accused of violating this section knowingly made a false report is prima facie evidence of the accused person’s intent to deceive, mislead, or otherwise misinform any person.
(4) In addition to any other penalty provided by law with respect to any person who is convicted of a violation of this section that resulted in the mobilization or action of any law enforcement officer or any state or local agency, a person convicted of a violation of this section may be required by the court to pay restitution for all of the costs and damages arising from the criminal conduct.
History.—s. 3, ch. 59-29; s. 749, ch. 71-136; s. 1, ch. 2002-28.