Maryland man receives probation for bomb threats to banks
A Maryland man will serve one year probation for making bomb threats to multiple banks in June.
On Wednesday, Fayette County President Judge John F. Wagner Jr. ordered Horace Lewis James, 77, of Dundalk, Maryland, to serve one year probation on the charge of harassment.
James pleaded guilty to the harassment charge on Dec. 5 as prosecutors did not pursue the charges of bomb threats and terroristic threats, both felonies, that were filed against James in May.
In June 2015, James made calls claiming he placed bombs at multiple First National Bank locations.
During James’ preliminary hearing in May, Grindstone First National Bank manager J. Radcliffe testified that a caller demanded a $500,000 bank loan be endorsed.
James allegedly said he placed bombs at First National Bank locations in Grindstone, Hermitage in Mercer County and Berlin in Somerset County.
A similar call was also reported to a First National Bank location in State College June 19. James was only charged in Fayette and Mercer counties.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, James blamed First National Bank for his financial ruin.
James is represented by Attorney Vincent Tiberi.
He is currently awaiting trial in Mercer County on the same three charges where he’s being represented by Attorney James Matthew Goodwin.