A Muskegon County teenager is facing serious federal charges after allegedly sending a false bomb threat earlier this year, an act that authorities say wasted valuable resources and caused widespread fear. According to WZZM13, 19-year-old Joshua Darrell Lowe III of Bailey is indicted on charges of his involvement in a bomb hoax targeting a Carnival Cruise Lines vessel.
In January, after the cruise ship left Miami bound for Jamaica, Carnival received an email stating, "Hey, I think someone might have a bomb on your sunrise cruise ship," which led to an exhaustive search of over 1,000 staterooms aboard, as noted by the U.S. Department of Justice. Subsequently, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Marine Police of Jamaica were brought into play to escort the ship and ensure its safe arrival at the port. The accusation turned out to be, nothing but a costly distraction.
"We take every threat of mass violence seriously," said U.S., Attorney Mark Totten. Such hoaxes "endanger lives, incur needless costs, and divert public safety resources needed to address real threats. My office has zero tolerance for wrongdoers who intentionally convey false and misleading information that prompts a law enforcement response," Totten told WZZM13. If convicted, Lowe could face up to five years in prison and may also be required to pay restitution.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the gravity of such threats, saying "Bomb threats are not a laughing matter and are extremely irresponsible." Misuse of resources, according to Gibson, could have serious repercussions, "When individuals make false hoax threats, they divert critical law enforcement resources and spread unnecessary fear. The FBI takes all threats to life seriously and will ensure that those who resort to this kind of intimidation face the appropriate consequences," the U.S. Department of Justice reported.
The FBI is investigating the matter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler is prosecuting the case. The allegations in the indictment are just that, accusations and Lowe is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
