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MISSISSIPPI MAN INDICTED FOR COMMUNICATING DEATH THREATS OVER “FACEBOOK” INTERNET WEBSITE

May 22, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DYRON L. HART, age 20, of Poplarville, Mississippi, was charged in a two-count indictment today by a Federal Grand Jury with communicating threats in interstate commerce, announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to the indictment, HART, a former student of Nicholls State University, used a fictitious name and photograph when he threatened to injure and kill students at Nicholls State University. He transmitted the threat over the internet through the website “Facebook.”

HART faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a fine of $250,000.00 and three (3) 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.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Marvin Opotowsky and Peter M. Thomson.

(Download Indictment )