An 18-year-old Oregon man has been charged with making dozens of hoax bomb threats that terrorized schools and other organizations across Ohio. Nathan Hayes, of Sweet Home, Oregon, was identified by federal agents as the individual behind numerous "swatting" calls that prompted lockdowns at at least 17 high schools in counties including Lucas and Lake.
Law enforcement began investigating in March after a wave of bomb threats forced schools into lockdown while authorities searched for explosives. The threats were determined to be hoaxes originating from out of state. According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, Hayes allegedly used multiple aliases, offered swatting services for sale, and doxed an individual in Illinois. He also reportedly monitored media coverage of his calls.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Toledo Resident Agency, with Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Phillips leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio. If convicted, Hayes faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.