Delta Flight 273 Passenger Charged with Interfering With Flight Crew and Making False Bomb Threats on Aircraft

/PRNewswire/ -- Derek Michael Stansberry, a U.S. citizen and resident of Riverview, Fla., was charged today in a criminal complaint in the District of Maine with interfering with flight crew members and willfully making false threats about an explosive device on an aircraft, U.S. Attorney Paula D. Silsby announced.

Stansberry, 27, a passenger on Delta flight 273 from Paris to Atlanta on April 27, 2010, was arrested yesterday after the flight was diverted to Bangor, Maine, in connection with his alleged illegal activities. Stansberry is expected to make his initial appearance in federal court in Bangor, but a time for the hearing has not yet been set. He faces a potential sentence of 20 years in prison for interfering with flight crew members and five years in prison for making false threats about an explosive device on an aircraft.

"Making false bomb threats on an aircraft and interfering with the flight crew are serious crimes that have serious consequences," said U.S. Attorney Silsby. "Today's charges should serve as a reminder that the federal government will not tolerate this activity. This case also highlights the extensive resources required to address threats that prove to be false -- resources that could be better utilized addressing real threats."

According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, during the course of the flight, Stansberry passed a note to the flight attendant stating, among other things, that he was not an American citizen, that his passports and identity were fake, that he would leave his wallet and passport on the aircraft and "Please let my family know the truth..."

The flight attendant provided the note to a Federal Air Marshal on the plane. Stansberry was then moved to the back of the plane and taken into custody by the air marshals without incident. According to the affidavit, Stansberry told the air marshals that he had dynamite in his boots, which were located in his backpack, and that a pressure plate switch would detonate the dynamite. Stansberry also allegedly stated that there were explosives in his laptop.

According to the affidavit, the air marshals took custody of the laptop and the boots, placed them at the rear of the plane and built a bunker around these items to dampen the effects of any potential explosion. Stansberry remained in custody as the flight was diverted to Bangor.

Upon arrival in Bangor at approximately 3:30 p.m., Stansberry was removed from the aircraft and taken into FBI custody. Passenger and crew were also removed from the aircraft. The Bangor Police Department bomb squad searched the entire plane and all carry-on and checked luggage. No explosive devices were located on the plane or in the luggage.

The affidavit alleges that, after being searched and brought to the holding area at the airport, Stansberry stated that he held high-level government clearances and was in possession of classified documents. He also allegedly stated that he believed people on the plane were following him, ridiculing him and using interrogation techniques on him, although these people never spoke directly to him or asked him any questions.

According to the affidavit, Stansberry said he decided to claim he had a bomb in order to divert attention from himself and the fact that he had classified information. He said he did not actually possess any explosive device and that he did not have the ability to make one. During the interview, Stansberry indicated that he had taken one Ambien earlier in the day. A report by the Federal Air Marshals indicated that Stansberry had stated to an air marshal that he had taken eight Ambien and had previously used Valium but not on this flight.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Federal Air Marshals, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Transportation and Security Administration and the Bangor Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine.

The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains mere allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Garrett Pleads Guilty in Bomb Incident

RICHARD AUBREY GARRETT, III, 36, of Rome, Georgia, pleaded guilty today (November 23) in federal district court to multiple charges after he placed an improvised explosive device, or homemade bomb, at a convenience store in Rome.

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates and the information presented in court: On April 24, 2008, GARRETT left a bomb at the Kangaroo convenience store on Alabama Highway in Rome, where it was spotted by store clerk, who called 911. The bomb recovery and disposal unit responded and recovered the bomb using a robot and single-vent vessel. The bomb was X-rayed and found to be a hand grenade hull filled with an explosive substance and equipped with a fuse. The bomb squad safely detonated the bomb. GARRETT admitted to leaving the device in the store and did not indicate a motive.

Today GARRETT pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a bomb and to illegal possession of a bomb. He could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $500,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 29, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., before United States District Judge Harold L. Murphy.

This case is being investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Floyd County Police Department.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Making Bomb Threats to the Atlanta Housing Authority

MICHAEL EZZARD, 47, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty September 15, 2009, in federal district court to four counts of threatening to use a bomb to kill employees of the Atlanta Housing Authority (“AHA”) and to damage and destroy AHA buildings.

Acting United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said of the case, “These threats struck fear in the hearts of the AHA employees who were forced to quickly evacuate the building and caused great disruption to the surrounding businesses. It also forced local law enforcement to waste valuable time and manpower responding to this hoax. These are serious crimes.”

According to Acting United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: EZZARD made four telephonic bomb threats to the AHA. On January 22, 2009, EZZARD called the AHA and stated there was a bomb in the building and that he was going to “kill everybody down there.” The threat required AHA to immediately evacuate their offices and also required that law enforcement respond and search the entire building. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the streets surrounding the AHA also were blocked. All of the AHA employees were kept outside of the building for approximately three hours. On January 23, 2009, EZZARD made a second telephonic bomb threat to the AHA. He stated that there were four bombs in the building and that he was going to blow up the whole building.

Then on January 26, 2009, EZZARD made a third telephonic bomb threat to the AHA. He stated there were three bombs in the building and that “we’re going to kill everybody down there at Atlanta Housing Authority.” Later that same day, while under surveillance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, EZZARD made his fourth and final telephonic bomb threat to the AHA. He stated that “we have a bomb in the building” and we are going to “kill everybody down there.” Agents obtained an arrest warrant and arrested EZZARD shortly thereafter.

EZZARD was indicted on February 24, 2009, on four counts of making telephonic bomb threats. Today he pleaded guilty to all four counts. He could receive a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing for EZZARD is now scheduled for December 1, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Charles A. Pannell, Jr.

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistance in this case is also being provided by the Atlanta Police Department’s Detective Division.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Suspicious Package Found in Downtown Fayetteville, Georgia on November 4

A suspicious package was found at the Fayette County Republican Party Headquarters on North Glynn Street in Fayetteville, GA. Upon the package's discovery around 11 am this morning, the Fayetteville Police were contacted.

The package was addressed to Josh Bonner, Chairman of the Fayette County Republican Party and appears to have been mailed on Halloween.

The return address is listed as Michael, the Arch Angel, Divine Intervention Way in Holy Cow, JC. The return zip code reads 33666.

The K9 unit was immediately brought in to check for the presence of a bomb. At this time, there is no evidence that the lumpy package contains a bomb.

There appears to be a postal mark on the package. The U.S. Postal Service is on the way to the scene. The package will be x-rayed.

The entire building in which the Republican Party Headquarters in Fayette County is located has been evacuated.

A federal agency is currently enroute. Through an anonymous tip, we understand the person responsible for the package is known for similar actions.

Fayette Front Page Staff Report

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Peachtree City Police Department Special Press Release - May 29, 2008

Between midnight and 1:00 a.m. Wednesday May 28, 2008, what appeared to be a home made explosive device was found by a homeowner on the front porch of his residence in the 300 block of Loring Lane in Peachtree City. The device is described as a small 20 ounce bottle containing an unknown liquid. Although the device had detonated, it did not cause damage to the residence and there are no reported injuries pertaining to this incident.

On the evening of May 28, 2008 (6:00 p.m.), police officers were dispatched to the area of Georgian Park concerning four male juveniles that were setting off "bottle bombs" on the city’s cart path system. Before officers were able to arrive on the scene, the juveniles had left the area on a golf cart. After interviewing witnesses, officers were able to locate the juveniles; however, the juveniles obstructed the officers by refusing to stop their vehicle. Eventually, three of the juveniles jumped off the golf cart and fled the area by running away. The driver of the golf cart was stopped a short time later at Turtle Bay. After identifying and interviewing the juveniles (two 16 years of age and two 15 years of age), juvenile complaints were filed with the Fayette County Juvenile Court for Manufacturing an explosive device and Obstruction of a Police Officer. While detectives were interviewing the four juveniles, the police department received another call regarding 4-5 other male juveniles who were setting off another device in the area of Cove Road and Fishers Luck. A subsequent investigation determined that these other juveniles had purchased chemical agents at one of the city’s shopping centers just prior to the incident. The following morning, May 29, 2008, the police department received additional reports of “bottle bomb” incidents and determined that the devices were detonated in the Timber Walk, Interlochen, and Carnellian Lane areas. One of the “bottle bombs” was placed in the home owner’s mail box.

Investigators from the Peachtree City Police Department are following up on leads associated with these incidents as well as a similar incident that occurred on Monday, May 26, 2008, in the 300 Block of Hippocket Road. The police department has offered a $500.00 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals involved in these crimes.

The Loring Lane and Hippocket Road incidents are still under investigation.

If anyone has information that would assist the Police Department in these or other incidents, please contact the Peachtree City Criminal Investigations Division at 770-631-2510, or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline at (770) 487-6010.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Peachtree City Police Department Special Press Release

Between midnight and 0100 a.m. Wednesday May 28, 2008, what appeared to be a home made explosive device was found by a homeowner at their residence in the 300 block on Loring Lane in Peachtree City. The complainant found the device on the front porch of his residence.

The device is described as a small 20 ounce bottle containing an unknown liquid. Although the device had detonated it did not cause damage to the residence and there are no reported injuries pertaining to this incident.

Investigators from the Peachtree City Police Department are following up on leads associated with this incident and a similar incident that occurred on Monday, May 26, 2008, in the 300 Block of Hippocket Road. The Peachtree City Police Department is offering a $500.00 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individuals involved in these crimes.

If anyone has information that would assist the Police Department in these or other incidents, please contact the Peachtree City Criminal Investigations Division at 770-631-2510, or the Crime and Narcotics Information Hotline at (770) 487-6010.

MAN WHO MADE FALSE BOMB THREAT TO COURTHOUSE, WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER NOW GOES TO PRISON

DAVID ANTHONY FLOOD, 32, of Atlanta, Georgia was sentenced to federal prison late yesterday on a charge of using a telephone to willfully and maliciously convey false information concerning an alleged attempt to damage and destroy buildings and to injure and kill people at the Richard Russell Federal Building at 75 Spring Street and the Woodruff Arts Center, located at 1280 Peachtree Street, both in Atlanta.

“This defendant will now spend a year in prison after making a few very serious phone calls. He made false bomb threats to accomplish another objective, which was to distract law enforcement from a nearby bank he was considering robbing,” said United States Attorney David E. Nahmias. “Law enforcement must take seriously all bomb threats; a false threat requires the same commitment of investigative resources as a real threat until we are certain no real danger exists.”

FLOOD was sentenced to one year, one day in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. FLOOD pleaded guilty to the charge on September 11, 2007.

According to United States Attorney Nahmias and the information presented in court: On October 18, 2006, a bomb threat was made via telephone to the Atlanta 911 Communications Center. The call was recorded as follows: “Praise Allah, you have 13 minutes to clear the Richard B. Russell Building out and the Woodruff Arts Museum in Buckhead, otherwise 13 pounds of C-4 will explode.” The call prompted an emergency response from the Atlanta Police Department, along with the Department of Homeland Security Federal Protective Service, MARTA Police, Fulton County Police and United States Marshal Service. Law enforcement personnel and explosive detection canines from those agencies conducted a search of the federal courthouse but no bomb or C-4 explosives were found. Law enforcement agents were also dispatched to the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown, as well as Woodruff Park in downtown Atlanta. No explosives or bombs were located at either location.

Telephone records led the agents to discover that FLOOD had made the call. FLOOD stated he had made the call to attempt to distract law enforcement so that he could rob a nearby bank, and that he was desperate for money. He ultimately did not rob the bank; he stated that he became frightened and abandoned the plan. FLOOD has no known affiliation to any terrorist group.

This case was investigated by Special Agents of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Monahan prosecuted the case, represented in court by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Moultrie.

For further information please contact David E. Nahmias (pronounced NAH-meus), United States Attorney, or Charysse L. Alexander, Executive Assistant United States Attorney, through Patrick Crosby, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Attorney's Office, at (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.usdoj.gov/usao/gan.
---