Josiah Leach, Threats, Vermont 2017

A 19-year-old South Burlington man was sentenced to five years of probation for sending threats to students and faculty at South Burlington High School in April 2017.

Josiah Leach, 19, of South Burlington, Vermont, appeared before the Honorable Geoffrey W. Crawford for sentencing on ..., after previously pleading guilty to sending threats in interstate commerce that terrorized students and faculty at South Burlington High School.

Leach was first arrested on April 21, 2017, and has been in custody for a total of approximately three months and ten days since the initial charges were filed.

Chief Judge Crawford imposed a sentence of five years of probation, noting that Leach had the capacity to redirect his life in a more positive direction, but also commented on the seriousness of the harm caused by Leach's threats.

Under the terms of his release, Leach is forbidden from having any contact with the individuals he listed on a 'kill list' at the time of the offense and is required to engage in mental health and substance abuse treatment as needed.

Leach is also prohibited from coming within 500 feet of the South Burlington High School complex, and his computer use will be subject to monitoring by the United States Probation Office. He will be required to meet with Judge Crawford every six months.

U.S. Attorney Christina E. Nolan thanked the FBI, the South Burlington Police, and the Vermont State Police for their rapid, collaborative response in April 2017 and their continuous support throughout the investigation.

Leach was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Elizabeth Quinn, and AUSAs Michael Drescher and Eugenia A. P. Cowles represented the United States.

The exact criminal charges against Leach were sending threats in interstate commerce. The case was investigated by the FBI, the South Burlington Police, and the Vermont State Police.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-vt/pr/19-year-old-man-accused-sending-threats-south-burlington-high-school-students-and-faculty