ELROY JOHN LAMONT, 19, of Darrington, Snohomish County, Washington was sentenced today to five years of probation and 50 hours of community service for False Threat to use Explosive Materials via Interstate Commerce. LAMONT is diagnosed with a type of Autism called Asberger’s Syndrome. At sentencing Chief U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik noted that it was fortunate no one was hurt in the bomb threat case. “It’s too bad you didn’t get education services earlier,” Judge Lasnik said, “you have potential you are starting to tap into.”

In May, 2004, LAMONT emailed threats to the Darrington School District claiming that a bomb had been planted at the Darrington Elementary School. LAMONT used a computer program to hide his identity. LAMONT sent additional threatening emails both to the Darrington School District and to a New Jersey school district. The Darrington School District closed schools and called in the Washington State Patrol bomb squad for searches. No explosive devices were ever found.

LAMONT faced an 18-24 month advisory prison term for his threats. However, prosecutors joined with U.S. Probation and defense counsel in recommending a less severe sentence because of LAMONT’s significant mental health problems. Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi wrote to the court that LAMONT “struggled in school and was teased by classmates... His family, while well meaning, lacked the resources to properly evaluate and care for him; and compounded the problem by allowing him to withdraw from school. As a result, Mr. Lamont ended up spending much of his time on the internet. Bored and still angry at the school district, he sent out the bomb threats by email, looking for excitement and perhaps some revenge.”

In court today LAMONT told Judge Lasnik he was very sorry for his actions. LAMONT said he can’t think of why he made the threats. He said he realizes he just wasted people’s time and scared people.

Since shortly after his arrest LAMONT has done well in a structured educational environment outside his family home. Lombardi told the court that progress could be lost with a term of incarceration. Judge Lasnik agreed with the government recommendation that LAMONT be required to do community service, urging him to “share his potential with the community,” especially other kids with autism spectrum disorders. “I think it is good for kids to see someone like you who has had success,” the judge told him.
The case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi prosecuted the case. For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110.

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