New Orleans Man Charged with Making Threatening Phone Calls

Jahvar Hooks, age 30, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Karen Wells Roby today after being charged by criminal complaint with making threatening telephone calls in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(e), announced U.S. Attorney Dana Boente.

According to the criminal complaint, from August 12, 2013 through August 19, 2013, Hooks made in excess of 40 telephonic bomb threats. Victims of these threatening phone calls include the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court and the New Orleans Municipal/Traffic Court along with schools, hotels, casinos, and other government buildings. In an interview with officers of the New Orleans Police Department, Hooks admitted to making the threatening telephone calls.

If convicted, the maximum penalty as to each charge is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a three-year term of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Boente reiterated that a criminal complaint is merely a charge, which matter must be presented to a federal grand jury and thereafter that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.