Former St. Thomas student sentenced to a year in federal prison for calling in bomb threats to postpone final exams Suspect with no criminal history expressed genuine remorse for inciting panic. February 9, 2021 12:31pm Text size Copy shortlink:
A former University of St. Thomas student who said anxiety to meet his parents high academic expectations motivated him to call in bomb threats on campus was sentenced to one year in federal prison Tuesday.
Federal Judge Eric C. Tostrud denied the defense s request for probation. Though Persaud planted no real bombs, Tostrud said, the St. Thomas community didn t know it was a hoax, and the fact that Persaud called in multiple threats shows the crime was not impulsive. Every call presented an opportunity to stop, he said.