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Finn Charged in Firebombing of Luzerne County Children and Youth Office
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment on October 2, 2018, charging 48-year-old Phillip Finn, Jr. of Plains Township, Pennsylvania, with interstate communications and using fire to commit a felony. Finn allegedly used his email account to send threatening emails to a Luzerne County caseworker between March 4, 2017, and March 5, 2017.
According to United States Attorney David J. Freed, the superseding indictment also alleges that on March 6, 2017, Finn used three Molotov cocktails to firebomb the Luzerne County Children and Youth Services building in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to commit the felony of stalking.
Finn was previously indicted on July 11, 2017, on charges of stalking, interstate communications, and malicious damage to federal property by fire. The original indictment alleged that between March 3, 2017, and March 6, 2017, Finn used Facebook, Google, and his cell phone to engage in a course of conduct, to harass and intimidate two Luzerne County Children and Youth Services employees.
The superseding indictment added the charge of use of fire to commit a felony and an additional count of interstate communication. The case was investigated by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Wilkes-Barre City Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.
Finn faces a combined maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the Judge is required to consider and weigh a number of factors, including the nature, circumstances, and seriousness of the offense; the history and characteristics of the defendant; and the need to punish the defendant, protect the public, and provide for the defendant’s educational, vocational, and medical needs.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violent behavior. The Luzerne County Children and Youth Office provides critical services to vulnerable members of our community, and the actions of individuals like Finn can have lasting impacts on those who depend on these services.
It’s essential to note that indictments and criminal informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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