Gretna Man Indicted for Threatening to Destroy Nuclear Reactor
| U.S. Attorney’s Office November 01, 2012 |
NEW ORLEANS—William Dugas, age 48, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, was charged today in a two-count indictment by a federal grand jury for threatening to destroy a nuclear reactor, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.
Dugas was arrested earlier this month and detained after appearing before a federal Magistrate Judge. According to court documents, on October 10 and 11, 2012, Dugas called the Louisiana Public Service Commission and communicated threats to blow up a nuclear reactor because he was angry about his utility bill. Subsequent to a search warrant conducted by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Dugas was arrested and detained locally until his transfer into federal custody.
If convicted, Dugas faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Letten reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey N. Knight and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.