The East Hampton man accused of planting a fake bomb at East Hampton Middle School earlier this month has been indicted on one count of intentionally conveying false or misleading information and a hoax.
Sean Doran, 20, of 59 South Main St., was indicted today by a Hartford grand jury. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on a $50,000 bond.
“As alleged, the defendant purposefully placed a fake bomb right at the door of a Connecticut middle school,” said U.S. Attorney David Fein, who is prosecuting the case. “Hoaxes threaten the sense of security that children and teachers are entitled to enjoy in their school. This indictment should be a clear signal that all threats to schools will be vigorously investigated by my office.”
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The indictment was unsealed today during Doran’s initial federal court appearance and arraignment in Hartford.
“The indictment of Mr. Doran should be a warning to those individuals who choose to disrupt and threaten everyday public life, hoax or no hoax,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Mertz. “Placing a hoax bomb in a public location is criminal. Placing it outside a school is absolutely appalling. The FBI and its law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to bring to justice those responsible for such criminal conduct.”
If convicted, Doran faces a maximum prison term of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Doran and his girlfriend, Kayla Sypek, 20, of 17 Staeth Road, were arrested Jan. 12 on charges they planted the fack bomb on the front steps of the middle school. Police say video monitoring shows Sypek driving up to the school and Doran getting out to place the package on the school steps.
Each was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, first-degree threatening and first-degree breach of peace, all felonies. The FBI also investigated.
The incident forced the lockdown of the middle school that day.
