A St. Thomas man employed by Boynes Trucking, Inc. was arrested Friday by the FBI for allegedly sending threatening text messages to the owner of the company.
Rudy Cook, 43, is charged with willfully making a threat to kill, injure or intimidate while using a telephone, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment if convicted.
“We live in an era where all bomb threats, no matter where and when they occur, are taken seriously and fully investigated by the FBI,” said Joseph Campbell, special agent in charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “Any individual or individuals responsible for making these threats will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, which can lead to substantial time in jail for the perpetrators of this federal violation.”
The criminal complaint alleges that on January 17 and 23, the owner of Boynes Trucking received text messages on her cell phone threatening to kill employees and destroy the business, a gas station and fuel storage facility on St. Thomas.
An investigation found Cook was the subscriber and owner of the telephone that sent the threatening text.
Cook was advised of his rights in District Court on St. Thomas Friday. His preliminary and detention hearing is scheduled for Monday.
V.I. Police Commissioner Designate Henry W. White stated: “This arrest was the result of a collaboration between the FBI and the Virgin Islands Police Department. We look forward to the continuation of such endeavors and positive working relationships in the future.”
