CLEVELAND — Allen Martin Kenna, 18, of Cuyahoga Falls, was charged Friday in a two-count indictment for Attempted Use of an Explosive Device and Interstate Communication of Threats, according to an announcement by the Department of Justice.
As alleged in the indictment, Kenna is charged with attempting to use an explosive device to damage or destroy buildings and real property associated with Cuyahoga Falls High School.
Kenna is also charged with making threatenting communications to a Kansas elementary school. Specifically, Kenna is alleged to have notified the Fort Riley Sheriff’s Office that he was holding a hostage inside of the school and that he would injure any person attempting to enter the school in response to this threat.
“The indictment alleges that the defendant attempted to construct an explosive device that was to be used in an attack on a local high school,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman stated. “The defendant is further alleged to have engaged in making interstate threats that were directed at another school in Kansas. Law enforcement takes seriously all concerns about potentially violent individuals, but where we have specific, credible threats of violence against the public, especially in our schools, we will act swiftly and with appropriate federal charges.”
Awareness of private citizens and the hard work of law enforcement partners averted a potentially dangerous situation.
“What could have been a horrific and tragic day was stopped,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Law enforcement has no higher priority than protecting others. We will continue to ensure our schools remain a safe place where young people go to learn and thrive. The FBI and our law enforcement partners urge parents, relatives, and friends to report suspicious and troubling behavior to authorities immediately.”
If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Duncan T. Brown.
