By WMBD-TV
SPIRNGFIELD – The Federal Bureau of Investigation Springfield Office is reminding everyone about the consequences of sending false threats against schools and other public buildings.
According to a news release from the FBI, those who make hoax threats can face up to five years in federal prison, or face state or local charges.
The FBI works closely with local law enforcement to investigate and determine the credibility of all threats, and hoax threats divert agencies’ limited resources and cost taxpayers.
“The FBI takes every single hoax threat very seriously because they put innocent people at risk and can cause severe emotional distress for victims,” Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson said. “Making hoax threats is not a prank, it’s a federal crime that can result in prison time. As always, we encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.”
The Springfield FBI Office encourages everyone to never send a hoax threat online and to always report threats they see to law enforcement.
Threats can be reported to the FBI here.
The FBI also encourages people not to spread threats seen on social media before they are investigated because spreading misinformation could cause panic.
Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about not posting hoax threats online, and the potential consequences if they do.
More information on hoax threats is available here.
WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].
