Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Charges Man with Courthouse Bomb Threat

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged a man in connection to the Oct. 25 bomb threat against the Monmouth County Courthouse.

Ellis W. Goodson, 35, allegedly made a 9-1-1 call on Thursday, Oct. 25 and warned that a bombing would take place at the courthouse that day.

In a previous article, Patch reported that a bomb threat against the Courthouse came from a 9-1-1 call around 12 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25. At 12:30 p.m. the Courthouse was evacuated and area K-9 explosives-detecting dogs were brought in to sweep the building. 

After a sweep of the building, no explosives were found, but due to the amount of time required for the sweep, the courthouse was closed down for the rest of the day.

A press release from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office stated that an investigation led by the Sheriff’s Office along with the Monmouth Prosecutor’s Office determined that the call originated in Freehold Borough from Goodson’s de-activated cell phone that could only send 9-1-1 calls. The release further explained that within 12 hours after the investigation, Goodson became a prime suspect. However, a delay in the case ensued after resources were redirected towards Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

“I commend all of the officers involved in this case for their exceptional police work and cooperative efforts toward getting the individual responsible for the courthouse bomb threat behind bars,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden in the press release. “This arrest sends a clear message that this type of criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

Atkins has been remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) for false public alarm and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, which was found in his possession at the time of the arrest. According to the press release, bail for Goodson remains at $25,000 and $20,000 for both crimes respectively.