GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Timothy Siangdun of Battle Creek is facing a substantial prison sentence after being convicted yesterday of threatening school shootings at Western Michigan University. U.S. District Judge Janet T. Neff found Siangdun guilty on three counts of making interstate communications with threat to injure, following a bench trial – meaning the case was heard without a jury. The conviction centers around three menacing Facebook postings.
But the threats didn’t stop with the verdict. According to a motion filed Friday, Siangdun allegedly doubled down on his disturbing behavior, posting another school shooting threat to the Western Michigan University Facebook page after returning home from court. This blatant disregard for the legal proceedings prompted authorities to immediately revoke his bond, and he remains in custody pending sentencing on June 4, 2015.
Siangdun now faces a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a hefty $250,000 fine. The case highlights the escalating danger of online threats and the swift response of law enforcement to neutralize them. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan led the investigation, with significant assistance from a multi-agency task force including the Springfield Department of Public Safety, Western Michigan University Department of Public Safety, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Calhoun County Prosecuting Attorney, Battle Creek Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“Online threats of violence have no place in the Western District of Michigan,” stated U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, praising the collaborative effort. “Our state and local partners worked long hours to see that these threats were fully investigated for possible prosecution.” The investigation wasn’t just about finding evidence, but about preventing potential tragedy.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul M. Abbate emphasized the seriousness of Siangdun’s actions. “Mr. Siangdun posted numerous messages on-line in which he threatened acts of violence at Western Michigan University, including threats of a school shooting. Immediately following his conviction… he engaged in the same conduct once again, making further threats on-line,” Abbate said. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners investigate and address these types of threats with the highest priority.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay M. West is prosecuting the case. This conviction sends a clear message: using the internet to threaten violence, especially against schools, will not be tolerated. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing in June. The question now is whether the judge will impose the maximum penalty, given Siangdun’s continued defiance even after being found guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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