Friday, November 14, 2008

NICHOLLS ISSUES RELEASE ON E-MAIL THREATS

SUSPECT CHARGED WITH SENDING THREATENING E-MAIL

The FBI arrested Dyron Hart, a 19-year-old African-American male, from Poplarville, Miss. Wednesday, Nov. 12, and charged him with sending threatening e-mails.

The arrest came after three Nicholls State University students reported receiving the threatening e-mail through their Facebook accounts.

“Yesterday’s arrest by the FBI and our federal response should serve as a powerful signal to all we serve that vile and threatening communications will not be tolerated and will be met with swift response,” said US Attorney Jim Letten.

According to the FBI affidavit, Hart admitted to sending the threatening message to people who were on his “friends” list using his Facebook Internet account. He admitted sending messages to students at Nicholls, Louisiana State University, University of Mississippi, University of Alabama, and to individuals near his Poplarville residence. His stated purpose for sending the messages (in part) was to create a reaction.”

University records show that Hart was enrolled at Nicholls for one semester – spring 2008.

Rob Bernardi, athletics director, said “Hart attempted to earn a walk-on spot on the football team. He practiced with the team from April 3 through April 19, but failed to meet NCAA clearing house qualifications, and therefore was never a member of the team.”

Hart faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised released. He was booked in the Stone County Jail in Mississippi and will go before the judge Thursday, Nov.13.

“I am pleased at how quickly this matter was resolved,” said Dr. Stephen Hulbert, Nicholls president. “Our university police department worked in complete cooperation with the FBI, Louisiana State Police, the Poplarville Mississippi Police Department and the Assistant US Attorney’s Office to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.”

Nicholls has requested the FBI assist the university by offering an Internet safety workshop for students during the spring 2009 semester.

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