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First Posted: 5/15/2013
WRIGHT TWP. — An 18-year-old Crestwood High School senior was arraigned Wednesday on charges he made threats against the school.
Richard M. Seiwell, of Alberdeen Road, was charged before District Judge Ronald Swank at the Wright Township Municipal Building with 12 counts, including a threat to place or set weapons of mass destruction.
Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis, Wright Township Police Chief Royce Engler and Crestwood High School Principal Chris Gegaris urged Swank to set bail high, alleging Seiwell posed a serious threat to the school and the community.
The teen was released on $25,000 straight bail. Swank told Seiwell he is not to contact any witnesses, including on social media and by cellphone texting, and he is banned from the Crestwood campus.
Swank set Seiwell’s preliminary hearing for 10 a.m. Wednesday.
When Seiwell was brought to the arraignment he denied the allegations.
Police say Seiwell posted threatening messages on April 18 and again on May 8 on bathroom walls in the school in which he claimed a bomb had been planted and the poison ricin was in the school. The school was evacuated each time.
According to the criminal complaint filed by Wright Township police Sgt. Scott Rozitski and Patrolman Brian Macko, Seiwell is charged with two counts of weapons of mass destruction/threaten to place or set, one count of false report/falsely incriminate another, one count of intimidating a witness, two counts of institutional vandalism of an educational facility, two counts of criminal mischief and two counts of terroristic threats.
Salavantis said she did not research the sentencing limits on the charges, but said Seiwell could face years in jail if convicted on all counts.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, police say that on April 18 at 12:50 p.m., Crestwood students reported concern over a threat written on a wall in the boys’ bathroom: “Bomb in school.” After the report was confirmed, the building was evacuated, students were sent home and the school was searched. No bomb was found and the school was deemed safe.
On May 8, at about 10:30 a.m., a middle school student reported another “Bomb in school” sign was posted above a urinal in the boys’ bathroom near the gymnasium lobby. The school was again evacuated and the building searched and nothing was found.
On May 9 at 9:40 a.m., a student reported a sign stating “Ricin is in the school” was posted on the back of a door on a bathroom stall. School was again evacuated, searched and nothing was found.
Police received an anonymous tip around 10:44 a.m. May 9 identifying Seiwell as making the threats. Police obtained a writing sample from one of Seiwell’s teachers and found matches in style.
Witnesses told police they saw Seiwell in the areas where the signs were posted.
Seiwell was taken into custody in the school cafeteria. The affidavit states when police approached him, Seiwell said, “Where have you guys been? I’ve been waiting for you.”
As he was escorted out of the cafeteria by police, several students clapped, the affidavit states. Police said Seiwell has been cooperative and appeared to be nervous during interviews. He was told the FBI could get involved because of the substance he threatened to use.
Engler said this case should serve as a warning to anyone who might consider similar actions.
“We are in the school and we will investigate all complaints thoroughly,” he said. “This is a step in the right direction and should serve as an example for other school districts. We will not tolerate this type of behavior.”