Last semester students and professors experienced an almost continuous cancellation of classes due to numerous bomb threats.On seven occasions, there were reports that bombs were placed in various locations on-campus including Schmucker Science Center, Main Hall and Anderson Hall. According to the press release from WCU Public Relations, public safety allied themselves with Chester County and Federal Agencies to determine the culprit.
On Nov. 11, 2003 their search had finally neared its conclusion. Carl Jameel Young, a 21-year-old fourth year student at the University was arrest, and charged with making four of the threats.
Michael Flemming, a neighbor of Young on South Campus explains that he was told that Young’s phone call (the last bomb threat) was traced to his apartment, which stimulated public safety to increase surveillance around young’s apartment. Public safety then began questioning suspects. During Young’s questioning he confessed that he was actually the one who made the threats. Young only confessed to four of the seven threats.
When asked how he became associated with Young, Flemming confirmed that he and Young actually became acquainted during their high school years, although attended different high schools. Flemming expressed his initial reaction at the case, he stated “I was shocked, and never would have suspected him” of such a crime. Flemming reflected on the irony because to him Young’s mannerism and personality was “cool, calm, and collected, he appeared harmless, wouldn’t hurt a fly.” He added that Young was a devoted student and “he was very studious and definitely very intelligent.”
Loretta MacAlpine, director of WCU Public Relations, elaborated on the severity of the event. She confirmed that the act is “a serious federal offense,” and if Young is found guilty, he would spend a fair amount of time in jail. The investigation, however, is still in progress, and the $1000 reward posted by Public Relations still stands for anyone who may have any information concerning further involvement.
Young’s bail was set at $25,000. He was “arraigned before district Justice Rita Arnold of Downingtown.” According to the press release, Young was taken to Chester County Prison. His preliminary hearing was scheduled to take place Nov. 18, 2003, but was waived by Young. He is scheduled to stand trial Feb. 18, 2004. He faces seven charges, some repetitive. The various possible charges are terroristic threats, threatening to possess weapons of mass destruction, and false alarms to public agencies.
Young was allowed to pay 10 percent of his bail and remains home until the trial takes place on Feb. 18, 2004.
Flemming concludes that he personally has not spoken to Young, but hears that he is ” in high spirits, and he has become more engaged in his [religious] ministry.