JCC bomb threat suspect remanded in custody another week

30 March 2017, 2:37 pm

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The Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court orders the Israeli-American teen suspected of calling in dozens of fake bomb threats against Jewish community centers in the US to remain behind bars for an additional week.

The 18-year-old from Ashkelon is facing charges of extortion, making threats, publishing false information and sowing widespread fear and panic.

A Jewish Israeli teen is brought for a court hearing at the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court, on suspicion of issuing fake bomb threats against Jewish institutions in the US and around the world, on March 30, 2017. (Flash90) — A Jewish Israeli teen is brought for a court hearing at the Rishon Lezion Magistrate’s Court, on suspicion of issuing fake bomb threats against Jewish institutions in the US and around the world, on March 30, 2017. (Flash90)

The suspect’s father, who was detained by police along with his son over suspicions he turned a blind eye to his son’s illegal activities, is released by the court to house arrest under restrictive conditions.

The suspect has not been named and details about him or his possible motive remain unclear.

His defense team reportedly tell the court the 18-year-old suffers from a nonmalignant brain tumor that causes behavioral issues.