Illinois Resident Pleads Guilty to Sending Threatening Communications

Topics:  Con-Way Freight

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan
July 25, 2013

Rodney Termini, 47 of Ogelsby, Illinois, pleaded guilty today to sending threatening communications, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert D. Foley, III, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

United States Attorney McQuade stated, “We treat all threats seriously, even hoaxes, because they divert law enforcement resources from other public safety needs. Anyone who communicates a threat to kill or injure others can expect serious criminal consequences.”

“Those who use popular Internet websites such as Facebook to post threatening communications will be investigated vigorously by the FBI,” stated Special Agent in Charge Foley. “We remain committed to the pursuit and prosecution of such individuals.”

According to court records, on April 15, 2013, shortly after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, killing three people and injuring more than 250 others, Termini posted two threatening messages to the Facebook page of Con-Way Freight, a shipping company that has locations in various states in the Midwest, including in Michigan and Illinois. Termini was a contract worker at Con-Way Freight’s LaSalle facility.

Termini’s first post read: “Hehehehehehahahahahah!!!!!!! Took Care Of The Boston Marathon And Now I Take Care Of Conway In Michigan And Lasalle.”

Termini’s second post read: “ere (sic) bomb at one of your facilities, have fun finding it.” Termini posted these messages while at his home in Illinois, and the threats were received by Con-Way Freight employees in the Ann Arbor, Michigan office. Termini’s threats were made from a Facebook account he created in the name “Maggie Ladenn.”

As a result of the threatening messages, Con-Way Freight evacuated its facility in LaSalle, Illinois and had bomb sniffing dogs used in an attempt to detect any explosive devices. No actual explosive devices were recovered. Con-Way also diverted several trucks for a period of time, as they attempted to secure their various facilities. As a result of the bomb threats, Con-Way Freight suffered a loss of approximately $46,000.

Termini will be sentenced on November 21, 2013 at 2 p.m. by United States District Judge Gershwin Drain. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Termini faces 12 to 18 months in federal prison.

The case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mulcahy.