An 18-year-old Oregon man is facing up to a decade in federal prison after allegedly launching a massive wave of hoax bomb threats that threw Ohio high schools into chaos.
Federal prosecutors say Nathan Hayes, of Sweet Home, Oregon, was the voice behind dozens of “swatting” calls that targeted at least 17 high schools across Ohio, including institutions in Lucas and Lake counties. The panic began in March, forcing multiple schools into immediate lockdowns as law enforcement scrambled to search buildings for explosives or signs of terrorism.
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, investigators quickly traced the calls back to an out-of-state source. The FBI Toledo Resident Agency eventually identified Hayes, alleging that he used a rotation of multiple aliases to mask his identity while threatening the schools and various other organizations.
Beyond the threats, federal agents allege that Hayes actively commodified his actions by offering swatting services for sale online.
The affidavit also claims he “doxed” at least one individual in Illinois by publicly broadcasting their private, identifying information online without consent. Investigators noted that Hayes closely monitored local media coverage to watch the real-time public reaction and disruption caused by his calls.
If convicted on the federal charges, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
READ: Tampa Teen Behind Bars After Appalling Online Mass Shooting Threat Targets Schoolgirls
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
