Florence, South Carolina – A suspect in a bomb hoax that was directed at a Florence educational institution has been successfully captured by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. Following an FCSO investigation, the suspect, 23-year-old Demarie Jessalyn Nichole Spontis, was apprehended on May 13, 2024, according to a Florence County Sheriff’s Office release.
An early Saturday morning bomb threat at 1428 Floyd Circle in Florence was reported to the authorities. FCSO deputies immediately responded to the call and arrived on the scene to secure the area. Responding deputies deployed an explosive-detecting K-9 to sweep the premises to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Once the threat was proven to be a hoax, there was relief but also the start of a detailed investigation.
Spontis, who lives at 5302 East Old Marion Highway in Florence, was arrested as a result of the investigation. According to sheriff’s office reports, Spontis falsely threatened the educational institution by alleging there was a bomb there. Per the deputies, she was assisted by an unidentified co-conspirator. Though the reason for the hoax is yet unknown, officials have hinted that further arrests could be made as the investigation moves on.
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After her arrest, Spontis was taken before a Florence County magistrate for a bond hearing, during which she was released from the Florence County Detention Center on a $10,000 bond. Under South Carolina law, making a bomb threat is a felony offense, with potential penalties ranging from one to ten years in prison.
Visit the FCSO Booking Website for more details on the suspect’s legal processes and case updates.
