Police charge Carver man with making false bomb threats to Wareham bank

Feb 1, 2010

After a lengthy investigation, Wareham Police Detectives have charged James Johnson, 30, of 30 Bates Pond Rd. in Carver, Ma. with two counts of making a False Bomb Threat and Larceny over $250.00.

On September 12, 2009 and again on October 17, 2009, Johnson placed cell phone calls to the Plymouth County Teacher's Credit Union located at 2201 Cranberry Highway in West Wareham stating there was a bomb in the building. The building is directly across from Wareham 4th District Courthouse.

Wareham Police and Wareham Fire Departments were contacted and responded to the Credit Union. They evacuated the building on both occasions, however, no bombs were ever found.

Wareham detectives began an investigation and were able to trace the cell phone used which ultimately led them to Mr. Johnson. The investigation revealed that Johnson had stolen blank checks from a family member and was cashing them at the Credit Union. On Sept. 12, 2009, Johnson panicked when he learned that the victim was en route to the Credit Union to conduct routine business.

He called in the bomb threat, knowing the business would have to close and thus, the victim wouldn't discover the missing money. He repeated the incident on Oct. 17, 2009 for the same reason. Credit Union officials told police that Johnson had withdrawn over $12,000.00 from the account over a period of time.

James Johnson is currently being held in the Plymouth County House of Correction on unrelated matters and is scheduled to appear at Wareham District Court on March 4, 2010.