Retired state police commander details investigation into bomb threats credibility

MANLIUS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Law enforcement called the bomb threats emailed to teachers in at least 10 Central New York school districts on Wednesday, June 12, not credible.

Five were in Onondaga County where the sheriff’s office says they believe the emails came from overseas.

It only took a few hours for those threats to be ruled out.

Retired New York State Police Commander Francis Coots says the New York State Intelligence Center played a big role in the investigation.

“They are able to look at the different types of social media being pushed out, and they are able to generate and gather information and gain intelligence from that information to determine the safety of the building and who are the perpetrators,” Coots said.

They were able to determine that the threat came from another country. The agency will work with the FBI, using the information inside the emails to find the perpetrator.

“They can gather where it was sent, what time it was sent, where did it originate, where did it go after it was originated, where did it go before it arrived at the receiver,” Coots explained.

While NYSIC has its hands full, Coots’ message to parents is to let them investigate and remain patient.

“The safety of your child, the safety of all students, the safety of all the students and staff in these facilities is paramount, not just to the school district, but to law enforcement and other emergency services,” Coots said.

As to how long it can take to find the person who sent the emails, Coots says it could be anywhere from a day to a year. He also says an incident like this could happen at any time again.
When it does, law enforcement will make it a priority.

If the person who sent the emails is found, they can face a variety of penalties, including not being allowed into the U.S.

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