In an alarming case that has captured attention across multiple states, James Thomas Andrew McCarty, a former resident of Kayenta, Arizona, has been charged with a series of crimes, including making false statements, cyberstalking, and aggravated identity theft. The federal grand jury indictment, consisting of 26 counts, alleges that McCarty placed threatening phone calls to police departments and schools in several states, including Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, and Oklahoma. The calls contained various threats involving bombs, propane bottles and tanks, and the shooting of police. McCarty also stands accused of using the names of real individuals to carry out acts of identity theft. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently conducting the investigation, and further proceedings will take place in the District of Arizona. These charges carry severe penalties, including substantial fines and years of imprisonment if convicted.
Former Kayenta Man Charged with Making False Statements, Cyberstalking, and Aggravated Identity Theft
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Arrest and Indictment
On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, James Thomas Andrew McCarty, a 22-year-old former resident of Kayenta, Arizona, and current resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, was arrested following a federal grand jury indictment. The indictment includes 26 counts, charging McCarty with Making False Statements, Cyberstalking, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
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Detention and Remand
A detention hearing was held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it was determined that McCarty should be detained and remanded to the District of Arizona for further proceedings.
Additional Charges in California
In addition to the charges in Arizona, McCarty is also facing pending federal charges in the Central District of California. These charges are related to a swatting scheme involving the unauthorized takeover of Ring doorbells.
Details of the Indictment
The indictment alleges that McCarty made 13 phone calls from Kayenta, Arizona, to various police departments and schools in Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, and Oklahoma between January 17, 2021, and June 30, 2021. These calls contained threats indicating that McCarty possessed bombs, propane bottles, and tanks, and that he would shoot police if they responded. Furthermore, seven of these calls involved identity theft, as McCarty allegedly used the names of actual individuals to make the phone calls associated with the false emergencies.
Threats Made to Police Departments and Schools
McCarty targeted police departments and schools in multiple states with his threats. The phone calls were made to locations in Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana, and Oklahoma, indicating a widespread campaign of harassment and false emergencies.
Specific Threats of School Shootings
Within the series of phone calls, two specific threats were made regarding school shootings. The threats were directed towards schools in Westfield, Indiana, and Vinita, Oklahoma. These threats caused significant concern and fear within the targeted communities.
Identity Theft Allegations
Seven of the phone calls made by McCarty involved identity theft. He allegedly used the actual names of individuals in order to make the false emergency phone calls. This added a layer of complexity to his crimes and increased the severity of the charges he is facing.
Potential Penalties for False Statements about Bombs and Explosives
Making false statements about bombs and explosives carries serious penalties. If convicted, McCarty could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. These penalties reflect the severity and potential danger of making false claims about explosives.
Potential Penalties for Cyberstalking and False Information
Cyberstalking, false information, and hoaxes are also serious offenses. If convicted, McCarty could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. These penalties are designed to deter individuals from engaging in cyberstalking and spreading false information.
Penalties for Aggravated Identity Theft
Aggravated identity theft is a particularly grave offense. Each count of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year consecutive imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. This crime demonstrates a deliberate intention to misuse the identities of others, which is treated with utmost seriousness under the law.
Presumption of Innocence
It is important to remember that a criminal indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct and not evidence of guilt. James Thomas Andrew McCarty, like any other individual accused of a crime, is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This presumption of innocence ensures that justice is carried out fairly and impartially.
In conclusion, James Thomas Andrew McCarty, a former resident of Kayenta, Arizona, has been charged with Making False Statements, Cyberstalking, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The charges stem from a series of phone calls made to police departments and schools in multiple states, including threats of bombs, shootings, and false emergencies. McCarty is also facing additional charges in California related to a swatting scheme. If convicted, he could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. However, it is crucial to remember that McCarty, like any other individual accused of a crime, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation into this case is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and it is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.
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