Plane bomb hoax suspect faces 10 years

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2018-07-24

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Plane bomb hoax suspect faces 10 years A man charged with making a bomb threat Monday against an America West flight from Medford was released from federal custody. Richard Allen Harrison Jr., 29, of Klamath Falls has been charged with using a telephone to convey false information regarding an attempt to damage or destroy an airplane with an explosive device. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison or a & 36;250,000 fine. Although Harrison has failed to appear in court on previous charges, U.S. Magistrate John P. Cooney released Harrison on his own recognizance. However, Harrison remained in the Jackson County Jail Wednesday on warrants charging him with felony fraudulent use of a credit card and failure to appear in court on a charge of driving under the influence. His bail was set at & 36;25,000. Harrison called America West shortly after the shuttle flight to Phoenix left Medford at 2:45 p.m. Monday and suggested the plane needed to be re-screened, police said. Investigators said they believe Harrison was running late and hoped the threat would delay the plane long enough for him to check in. — He didn't want to lose his job, said Harrison's aunt, Susan Harrison of Klamath Falls. He was running late. Harrison was scheduled to work on a construction project in Phoenix, the Klamath Falls Herald and News reported. The plane, with 30 passengers aboard, returned to the Medford airport where Oregon State Police bomb technicians thoroughly searched the craft. Officials held passengers for about two hours and re-screened their luggage. Police became suspicious and detained Harrison after airline employees noticed he was still trying to get onto the flight after it had been called back. Federal investigators named him a suspect in the bomb threat, and Medford police arrested him on the unrelated warrants. No trial date was set, and Harrison did not enter a plea Wednesday. Federal prosecutors will present the case to a grand jury, which will be asked to indict Harrison on the charges. Prosecutors refused to reveal when a grand jury would hear the case. Harrison is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing June 9 at U.S. District Court in Medford. Reach reporter Sarah Lemonat 776-4487, or e-mail .