Juan Thompson, Cyberstalking & Bomb Threats, New York 2017

MANHATTAN, NY – Juan Thompson, fueled by a twisted campaign of revenge against a former girlfriend, was sentenced today to a stiff 60 months in federal prison. Thompson, 30, pled guilty to cyberstalking and unleashing a wave of hoax bomb threats targeting Jewish Community Centers (JCCs) and other organizations across the country.

The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, closes a disturbing case that saw Thompson harass “Victim-1” for months after she ended their relationship. Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim minced no words, stating Thompson was “held to account and justly punished” for his actions, which caused “severe distress to both his victim and to Jewish communities around the country.” The FBI led the investigation, bringing Thompson’s reign of terror to an end with his arrest on March 3, 2017, and subsequent guilty plea on June 13, 2017.

Thompson’s harassment began in July 2016 with false accusations sent to Victim-1’s employer. He then escalated the attacks, using an IP address traced back to his residence to falsely report Victim-1 was distributing child pornography. When confronted by law enforcement on November 22, 2016, Thompson claimed his email had been hacked – a flimsy attempt to cover his tracks. But the most dangerous phase of his campaign was yet to come.

Starting in early 2017, Thompson began sending hoax bomb threats to JCCs, organizations serving the Jewish community, schools, and even police departments, all in Victim-1’s name. One particularly chilling email, sent to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) on February 21, 2017, directly implicated Victim-1, stating she was “behind the bomb threats against jews” and planned to continue them. The ADL’s Manhattan office also received a follow-up phone call claiming explosive material had been planted inside.

In a bizarre and callous twist, Thompson also made threats in his own name, seemingly attempting to frame Victim-1 for crimes he was committing. A bomb threat emailed to a Manhattan JCC on February 7, 2017, explicitly stated “Juan Thompson [THOMPSON’s birthday] put two bombs in the office of the Jewish center today.” The email chillingly referenced the 2012 Newtown school shooting, using the phrase “Jewish newtown.” Thompson further amplified his harassment using a Twitter account, publicly accusing Victim-1 of the JCC threats and claiming she was trying to frame him.

This case highlights the real-world consequences of cyberstalking and the devastating impact of hoax threats, especially those targeting vulnerable communities. While Thompson’s 60-month sentence offers some measure of justice, the emotional scars left on Victim-1 and the fear instilled in Jewish communities will likely linger for some time. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement to combat these types of crimes.

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