Easley Man Arrested for Threatening Mass Violence Online

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Lucas Brandon Rousso, 30, of Easley, has been arrested by federal agents and charged with making threatening communications online.

Investigators were alerted to a YouTube account posting threatening comments alluding to violence and harm, including the Jewish community. The comments were posted to videos the account uploaded and escalated over the last few months. Most recently, the defendant posted, "I'm going to commit a mass shooting."

Investigators traced the account to an IP address, email address and device belonging to Rousso. When interviewed by law enforcement, Rousso stated he posted the comments to YouTube.

If convicted, Rousso faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Rousso made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge William S. Brown on Dec. 17 and will have a detention hearing on Dec. 19.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, and the Easley Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Cauthen is prosecuting the case.

All charges in the complaint are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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