Grotez Simpson, Bomb Threat Hoax, North Carolina 2024
Raleigh, NC - A New York man was sentenced to three years in prison for making bomb threats against Amtrak, causing a massive disruption to a train traveling from Miami to New York City.
Grotez Simpson, 25, of New York City, was sentenced to three years followed by three years of supervised release for conveying false information concerning an alleged attempted attack on a mass transportation vehicle.
The incident occurred on May 25 and 26, 2022, when Simpson sent fake bomb threats to Amtrak via its 'Txt-a-Tip' phone application. Simpson claimed that there was a bomb on board the train, located in another passenger's luggage. The train was stopped just outside of Orlando, Florida, and passengers were forced to deboard while law enforcement swept the train.
After a five-hour delay, the train continued on to New York City, and the next morning, Simpson made further claims that there was a bomb on board the train. Special Agents with the Amtrak Office of Inspector General determined that the threats had come from Simpson, and he was taken into custody by FBI agents when the train reached Raleigh.
U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. warned that 'hoaxes are no joke' and that bomb threats on mass transit can result in real prison time. Simpson's sentence sends a strong message that such threats will not be normalized in the country.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Amtrak OIG, and the Amtrak Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Logan Liles prosecuting the case.
The defendant's full name is: Grotez Simpson
The exact criminal charges are: Conveying false information concerning an alleged attempted attack on a mass transportation vehicle
The city and state are: Raleigh, North Carolina
The exact date of the incident is: May 25 and 26, 2022
The sentence or outcome is: Three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-127-D.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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