By Steve Neavling
A former TSA accused of leaving notes containing bomb threats in an airport restroom was charged Wednesday with two counts of false information and hoaxes.
Jean Devine, 48, left handwritten notes in the restroom at Tulsa International Airport on March 5 and March 23, the Justice Department said in a news release. The notes claimed there was a bomb at the airport.
The Tulsa resident faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
“My office has no tolerance for threats of violence, especially bomb threats within an airport,” U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson said.
Authorities said the notes were found in the pre-security side of the airport, prompting police to secure the area and determine if there was a threat.
Airport police conducted an investigation and identified Devine as the suspect. The case was handed over to the FBI’s Tulsa Field Office.
“Every time a threat is made, a sophisticated law enforcement response is set into motion to ensure public safety,” Jason Kaplan, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office, said. “Bomb hoaxes like the ones alleged to have been fabricated by the defendant put the community at risk and will not be tolerated.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan E. Michel is prosecuting the case.
