A Chicago man accused of making a bomb threat against Southern Illinois University Carbondale was sentenced to more than a year in federal prison.
US Attorney Steve Wigginton says 23-year old Maurice Wiggins will serve 16-months in jail as well as three years of probation. Last August, Wiggins sent an anonymous message from his cell phone to SIUC’s campus crime-watch webpage. The message indicated he planned to kill 4,000 students and staff by bombing three residence halls and the student center. A similar telephone message to the university police department indicated he planned to rape and kill 30-female students.
At his sentencing Wiggins told the court his girl friend, a SIUC student, had ended their relationship during the summer. Prior to making the bomb threat Wiggins had tried to unsuccessfully reconcile with the student.
US Attorney Wigginton says the case should serve as a warning that offenders cannot hide anonymously behind their cell phones and computers when they break the law. Wigginton is a former member of the SIU Board of Trustees.
