Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Wednesday, August 12 at approximately 10 a.m., the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to bomb threat received by letter addressed to the Clerk of the Madison County Courthouse. The letter stated in part that there were bombs planted in the “News Telegraphing Building of Madison County,” “the County Board of Commissioners Building,” “the Emergency Hospital,” “all City Police Stations,” “High School Buildings” as well as the “Court House.” The letter was dated August 6, 2015 and mailed on August 7, 2015. Deputies of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office along with officers of the Madison Police Department immediately responded to all locations named in the letter and began searches. The inmate who wrote the letter was quickly identified and Inspectors of the Florida Department of Corrections responded to the Suwannee Correctional Institute and interviewed the inmate. The letter was determined to be a hoax, however court proceedings and the County Commissioner meeting were both temporarily suspended. The suspected inmate is currently serving time in prison for 2nd degree murder and a bomb threat in Leon County. He is also currently being prosecuted for another bomb threat in Glades County. Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart states that Madison County will seek prosecution for this bomb threat, as well. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will be assisting the Florida Department of Correctional Officer Inspectors in the case.
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1. Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Jessie R. Box, August 12, 2015. Sheriff Ben Stewart and fellow officers are pictured outside of the Madison County Courthouse as they discuss the bomb threat to Madison County.
2. Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Jessie R. Box, August 12, 2015. People evacuate from the Madison County Courthouse and wait for the all clear from the bomb threat.
3. Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Jessie R. Box, August 12, 2015. Madison County Sheriff’s deputies and Madison Police Department officers walk around the Madison County Courthouse looking for any suspicious items after receiving a bomb threat.
4. Greene Publishing, Inc. Photo By Jessie R. Box, August 12, 2015. Madison County Sheriff’s deputies and Madison Police Department officers search the Madison County Courthouse.