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Press Release

Philadelphia Man Charged With Attempting To Disable Mass Transit

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Nicolas Colon, 23, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged today by indictment with one count of disabling and attempting to disable a mass transportation vehicle and one count of conveying false information concerning an attempt to disable a mass transportation vehicle, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  

According to the indictment, on or about March 16, 2014, Colon placed objects and debris on the subway train tracks of the Broad Street Line of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (“SEPTA”).  On or about March 18, 2014, Colon allegedly provided a false name, false date of birth, and false Social Security number to law enforcement officers investigating the Broad Street Line incident.

If convicted of both counts, Colon faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Philadelphia, including the SEPTA Transit Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vineet Gauri.

Click here to view the indictment

An indictment is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525

Updated December 15, 2014