Pickerington man charged with making terroristic threats against Ohio University

ATHENS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — A Pickerington man has been indicted on multiple felonies after allegedly making terroristic threats against Ohio University over social media.

Michael Rinthalukay, 27, was arrested and banned from all of the university’s campuses Tuesday following the concerning posts. On Monday, he was indicted on the following charges:

• Having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony
• Making terroristic threat, a third-degree felony
• Inducing panic, a fifth-degree felony

These charges come down as Rinthalukay stands accused of possessing an AR-15 in Athens County despite being prohibited from possessing firearms under Ohio law and using social media to make threats toward several groups of OU students. On his Instagram page, Rinthalukay allegedly posted several videos of himself shooting an assortment of firearms. He also made posts to other platforms, which included videos of himself, making threatening statements.

Rinthalukay is currently in custody at the Franklin County Jail. After a Rule 4 hearing in Franklin County, he will be transported by Athens County to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, where he will be scheduled for an arraignment before the Athens County Court of Common Pleas.

Anyone with information on Rinthalukay is asked to contact the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office at 740-592-3208.

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