Neptune Man Admits Courthouse Bomb Threat

The following press release is from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni announced Wednesday that a Monmouth County man has admitted that he was responsible for calling in a bomb threat to the County Courthouse in October.

Ellis Goodson, 35, whose last known address was in Neptune, pleaded guilty Tuesday to third degree charges of False Public Alarm and Conspiracy to Possess a Controlled Dangerous Substance in front of Monmouth County Superior Court Judge John T. Mullaney, Jr. J.S.C.

“Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, we all live in a heightened sense of security. Bomb threats not only disrupt the lives of the intended targets but taps into our sense of vulnerability and fear. Every threat is taken seriously, and false threats are not funny,” Gramiccioni said.

Goodson admitted that he called in the bomb threat on the afternoon of Oct. 25, 2012, causing an evacuation of the Monmouth County Courthouse that day. After an extensive sweep of the courthouse, involving several canine teams, it was determined there were no explosive devices in and around the Courthouse.

“This type of criminal activity is taken very seriously and will not be tolerated,” said Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Our top priority at the Monmouth County Courthouse is to ensure the safety and security of those who visit and work at the facility, and, that judicial proceedings are conducted without disruption in a safe and effective manner.”

Goodson is scheduled for sentencing on May 17, 2013.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Merlin Thomas.  The defendant is represented by Ryan Moriarty, Esq. of Freehold.