Two Savannah men have been arrested and charged in connection with two separate bomb threats in the city.
Harold Childers, 36, was charged with making a false statement to FBI agents in connection with a bomb threat at Southern States Phosphates on East President Street in September 2012. Lavontay Gatson, 20, was charged with telephoning in a bomb threat at a Savannah Wal-Mart in March, said First Assistant U.S. Attorney James D. Durham Wednesday.
Childers faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty of lying to the FBI, Durham said. Gatson’s charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Ed Tarver emphasized that a criminal complaint is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the U.S. Government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Both arrests, Durham said, follow FBI investigations and will be prosectured by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlie Bourne.