Juvenile arrested for alleged bomb threats to schools, businesses

NEWPORT – A 16-year-old Newport male has been arrested for allegedly making bomb threats to schools and businesses.

Col. Steven G. O’Donnell, state police superintendent, and Newport Police Chief Gary T. Silva said Tuesday that the juvenile is being charged with 15 counts of bomb threats and similar false reports, two counts of extortion and blackmail, and one count of access to a computer for fraudulent purposes.

According to a state police press release, the bomb threats were made to schools and businesses over the past two months, resulting in school and business evacuations and disruptions as well as the inordinate use of law enforcement and fire service resources in and outside the state.

Bristol, Cranston, East Providence, Middletown, Newport, Providence, Tiverton and Warwick were the communities where threats were received.

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On Feb. 12, state and local police arrested a 16-year-old Rogers High School student in connection with the threats. The investigation is ongoing for other accomplices allegedly involved in the scheme, state police said. The juvenile is being held at the Rhode Island Training School and will appear before Family Court on Feb. 17 for a bail hearing.

It was unclear what punishment the juvenile could face if convicted, but state police said an adult found guilty of bomb threats and similar false reports is guilty of a felony and could be sentenced up to 10 years at the Adult Correctional Institutions, or fined up to $1,000.

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