JTTF Arrests Another in UCSD Hoax Bomb Investigation

On Friday, January 4, 2008, members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) arrested Richard Sills, Jr., age 54, of Encinitas, California, in connection with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) hoax bomb incident that occurred on Wednesday, December 5, 2007.

Sills was arrested via complaint for Violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 1038, which makes it illegal to convey false or misleading information or engage in hoax activities pertaining to explosives.

By way of background, on Thursday, December 6, 2007, a copy of a recorded message and letter obtained under this investigation was released to the media. In response to that release, on Friday, December 7, 2007, the JTTF received information from individuals who watched and listened to local television and radio broadcasts. Based on the investigation to that point, on Saturday, December 8, 2007, the JTTF arrested Timothy Bryon Kalka, age 50, of San Diego, California.

However, further investigation in the case revealed that Sills, a temporary employee in the UCSD Biomedical Science Building, was instead the perpetrator in the incident.

Mr. Kalka was held over via complaint but never indicted. All charges against Mr. Timothy Kalka were formally dismissed without prejudice on Friday, January 4, 2008.

The initial appearance for Sills is expected for Monday, January 7, 2008, in San Diego, California. The case will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in San Diego, California.

*** An arrest is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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