United States Attorney Richard B. Roper
Northern District of Texas

FEDERAL GRAND JURY CHARGES SAN ANGELO, TEXAS,
MAN WITH MAKING THREAT

LUBBOCK, Tx. — A federal grand jury in Lubbock returned an indictment yesterday charging San Angelo, Texas, resident, Marcus J. Martinez, with one count of willfully making a threat, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. If convicted, Martinez, 20, faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the indictment, on August 6, 2007, Martinez, used a telephone to maliciously convey false information, knowing that information to be false, concerning an attempt and alleged attempt being made to damage and destroy the Wells Fargo Bank, 3806 West Loop 306, in San Angelo, by means of fire and explosives.

While no bomb was located, Martinez’s threat caused a massive response from local and federal law enforcement officials.

An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Angelo Police Department and Goodfellow Air Force Base.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams of the Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office

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