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Chicago Man Jailed for Bomb Threats

A Chicago man has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment for mailing bomb threats to Southern Illinois University, putting students, faculty, and staff in grave danger.

Derrick Dawon Burns, 23, was sentenced in federal court on four federal charges stemming from a series of bomb threats directed toward the college. The threats were made in four separate letters, all entitled "The War on SIU," and were addressed to a combination of targets including Southern Illinois University, staff, students, SIU police, and the FBI.

The investigation was a joint effort between the SIUC Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistance was provided by the Carbondale Police Department, the Illinois Secretary of State Bomb Squad, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and the Illinois State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William E. Coonan prosecuted the case and argued for a stiff sentence for Burns. "The defendant’s actions were reckless and caused a great deal of fear and disruption to the university community," Coonan said. "We are pleased that he will be held accountable for his crimes."

Burns’s sentencing hearing took place in the United States District Court in Benton, where he was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release and pay a $400 special assessment.

The Southern Illinois University community can rest a little easier knowing that the perpetrator of these heinous crimes will be behind bars for the next two years. The people of Illinois can also take comfort in knowing that the authorities are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

As a reminder, the public can report suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. If you have any information regarding this case or any other crime, please contact the SIUC Department of Public Safety or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.