The Charlotte County Sheriff’s office arrested a 29-year-old Port Charlotte man Wednesday after he allegedly sent a comment to his “friends” alerting them of a bomb at Town Center Mall.
One of the man’s “friends” called CCSO immediately. Deputies and Charlotte County Fire/EMS went to the mall and began evacuating employees and shoppers right away.
Detectives went to the man’s home and advised him they were informed about his comment on Facebook mentioning a bomb in the mall. The man allegedly denied posting the comment and said he was not currently using his Facebook account.
The man apparently allowed detectives into his home. Detectives claim they found the man’s computer on with Facebook running and could see the man’s post about the bomb on the screen.
Detectives told the man they needed to know where the bomb was in order to protect people from injury. The man allegedly told detectives there was no bomb and that he posted the comment because he was suffering from stress and depression since he could not find a job.
The man was arrested for felony False Bomb Threat. He was taken to the Charlotte County Jail with bail set at $5,000. Mall management and security were notified of the facts and allowed employees and shoppers back in the mall just before 1 p.m.
The state of Florida takes bomb threats and false statements regarding explosive devices quite seriously. Knowingly making a false bomb threat is classified as a felony in Florida. A conviction can carry a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. However, being arrested or charged with this crime does not mean your case is hopeless. The Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can provide you with the aggressive legal representation needed to negotiate and defend these charges in order to receive a positive resolution.
If you are charged with making a bomb threat, it is essential to speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can assist you with telling your side of the story. We can explore the facts surrounding your arrest and examine whether your Miranda Rights were read to you, whether the police conducted any illegal search and seizure and whether any of your rights were violated during questioning. By thoroughly investigating the circumstances and facts surrounding your case, we may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
If you or someone you love has been charged with making a false bomb threat anywhere in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or dial us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).