United States v. Filion

Case No. 6:24-cr-261-CEM-LHP

Alan Filion pleaded guilty to transmitting threats to injure others, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), in the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere, in or about August 2022 through in or about early January 2024.

Filion transmitted more than 375 swatting, hoax, and threat calls throughout the United States. Swatting is a criminal harassment tactic that involves a false report that a violent crime or other emergency was underway in order to elicit a response from police or emergency services. Because swatting calls involve deceiving dispatchers into believing that there is a critical, life-or-death situation unfolding at the victim’s address, these incidents often tie up significant law enforcement and emergency services resources, thereby diverting them from being available to respond to any real emergencies. On numerous occasions, Filion’s swatting activities caused armed police responses to the supposed crime scenes.

Victims of all crimes under federal investigation are entitled to services under the Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act, codified at 34 U.S.C. § 20141. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Seattle Division, is the primary investigative agency assigned to this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office (“USAO”) and the FBI encourage victims seeking additional support to visit the resources linked below.

We were not able to charge every swatting, hoax, and threat call due to the volume of offenses. Victims of the charged offenses will receive separate notice of the rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act of 2004, codified at 18 U.S.C. § 3771. These rights apply only to victims of the counts charged in federal court. While our office cannot act as your attorney or provide you with legal advice, you can seek the advice of an attorney with respect to the rights above or other related legal matters.

The Honorable Carlos Mendoza, United States District Judge, sentenced Filion on February 11, 2025, to serve 48 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Information

Plea Agreement

November 13, 2024 Minute Entry

Press Release

Judgement as to Alan Filion

Sentencing Press Release