Joint Terrorism Task Force Makes Arrest as a Result of Courthouse Bombing Investigation

The FBI and JTTF have an open investigation concerning the May 4, 2008 bombing of the U.S. District Courthouse. No person has yet been charged for that crime.

On Thursday, May 15, 2008, at approximately 2:47 p.m. Rachelle Lynette Carlock, age 31, was arrested in the vicinity of 35th and National Avenue, San Diego, California, by members of the San Diego FBI SWAT team. Carlock was taken into custody pursuant to a probable cause arrest.

On Friday, May 16, 2008, United States Attorney Karen P. Hewitt also announced that Rachelle Lynette Carlock was arraigned today in federal court in El Centro before Magistrate Judge Peter C. Lewis on a felony complaint charging Carlock with use of a false identification to obtain explosive materials and felon in possession of explosive materials, as well as fraud in connection with identification documents, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 842(a)(2) and (i)(1) and 1028A(a)(7), respectively. At the time of the hearing, the government requested that the defendant be detained based upon risk of flight and danger to the community. The detention hearing has been scheduled for May 21, 2008 at 10:00 before Magistrate Judge Lewis in El Centro. The defendant is next scheduled to be in court on May 29, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., for a preliminary examination before Magistrate Judge Lewis.

Also in connection with this matter federal search warrants were executed at 2952 40th Street and 3868 Teak Street, San Diego, California. The FBI’s Evidence Response Teams (ERT) responded to the locations and collected items of evidentiary value. This continues to be an ongoing investigation.

An arrest itself 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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