

Wicomico Co. Sheriff: FBI Has Formed Bomb Threat Task Force

By Mark Fowser

Updated Wednesday, January 20, 2016 - 2:48am



The Sheriff of Wicomico County, Michael Lewis, says he's learned from the Baltimore Field Office of the FBI that the agency has formed a bomb threat task force.



Wicomico, Worcester, Sussex and Kent Counties have been among those experiencing computer-generated bomb threats in recent days.



Lewis, in a statement, says the FBI "will assume primary investigative responsibility," while local law enforcement will continue to investigate collaboratively and on a case-by-case basis.



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The following statement was issued by Sheriff Michael A. Lewis on the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Facebook page:



Sheriff Michael A. Lewis



In the past seven days, Delmarva schools have experienced computer-generated bomb threats, also known as robo-calls. Some of these threats were made in Western Maryland as well. Today, Wicomico and Worcester Counties received similar threats along with Sussex County, Delaware, New Jersey, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Deputies and a certified bomb dog thoroughly searched Salisbury Middle School with negative results for any explosive device.



Like last week, I have met with and remain in constant communication with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in an effort to maintain a collaborative response to these threats. Today, I learned from the Baltimore Field Office of the FBI that they have now formed a Bomb Threat Task Force that will continue to work with local law enforcement in an effort to track down those responsible for these threats. The FBI will assume primary investigative responsibility for these cases. We in Wicomico County will continue to work closely with our federal partners to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and faculty members, while being mindful of our duty and responsibility to investigate these threats on a case by case basis. Decisions to evacuate our schools are not taken lightly. After much thought and careful consideration of the facts in each case, a joint decision will be made by the Sheriffâs Office and the Wicomico County Public Schools / Board of Education to shelter in place or evacuate the school.



Itâs so easy to second-guess our collective decision regarding school evacuations when you arenât privy to preliminary information. For investigative purpose, we cannot disclose all information learned during each of these cases. However, this information does assist us in making an informed decision as to âshelter in place or evacuateâ a school. The Wicomico County Sheriffâs Office will remain in Wicomico County Schools and work collaboratively with the FBI to carefully evaluate all relevant information.







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