Oregon Man Charged with Making Bomb Threats That Terrorized Schools in Ohio

TOLEDO, Ohio - An 18-year-old man from the state of Oregon has been charged with making dozens of hoax bomb threat calls to schools and other organizations in Ohio.

In March, law enforcement began investigating bomb threats that were made to at least 17 high schools in Ohio, including in Lucas and Lake County. As a result of the threats, multiple schools were placed on lockdown while law enforcement searched for bombs or other signs of terrorism. The threats were found to be swatting, or hoax, calls originating from out of state. Following an investigation, federal agents identified Nathan Hayes, 18, of Sweet Home, Oregon, as the caller. As alleged in the criminal complaint and affidavit, Hayes used multiple aliases to threaten schools and organizations. It is also alleged that he offered swatting services for sale and doxed at least one individual in Illinois. Doxxing is the act of publicly revealing someone's private, personally identifying information online without their consent. Hayes also monitored media coverage to see public reaction to his swatting calls.

If convicted Hayes faces up to 10 years in prison.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Toledo Resident Agency.

Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Phillips is leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.