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Press Release

Jamestown Man Charged With Transmitting Threatening Communication

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

CONTACT:      Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX:            (716) 551-3051
 
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today Michael Bush, 35, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with transmitting communication containing a threat to injure the person of another. The charge carries a maximum of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Caleb J. Petzoldt, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 26, 2016, Bush, a former officer with the Jamestown Police Department, posted a threat on the Jamestown, New York Topix forum page.  The post contained a threat against two individuals. 

The defendant made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder. A detention hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2016.

The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Harry Snellings and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen.  

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Updated April 6, 2016