The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday arrested and charged a man in connection to the Oct. 25 bomb threat at the Monmouth County Courthouse.
Ellis W. Goodson, 35, made a 9-1-1 call on Thursday, Oct. 25, warning that a bombing would take place at the courthouse that day, according to the Sheriff's Office. Goodson's hometown was not released.
The courthouse around 12:30 p.m. was evacuated and area K-9 explosives-detecting dogs were brought in to search the building.
No explosives were found. The courthouse was closed down for the rest of the day.
The Sheriff’s Office, along with the Monmouth Prosecutor’s Office, determined that the call originated in Freehold Borough from Goodson’s de-activated cell phone. The phone could only send 9-1-1 calls, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Within 12 hours, Goodson became a prime suspect in the bomb threat. But Hurricane Sandy relief efforts diverted investigators' attention, according to the Sheriff's Office.
“I commend all of the officers involved in this case for their exceptional police work and cooperative efforts toward getting the individual responsible for the courthouse bomb threat behind bars,” Sheriff Shaun Golden said in a release. “This arrest sends a clear message that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
Atkins was taken to the on charges of false public alarm and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, which was found in his possession at the time of the arrest.
Bail was set at $45,000, according to the release.
