BOSTON (AP) — A former Northeastern University employee who provided false information to the FBI regarding an alleged package explosion on the Boston campus has been sentenced to just over a year in prison for the hoax. Jason Duhaime, 47, hailing from San Antonio, Texas, was found guilty of intentionally conveying false and misleading details connected to an explosive device, as well as two counts of making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement officer. The sentencing was handed down on Monday.
United States Attorney Joshua Levy emphasized the seriousness of bomb hoaxes, stating that such actions cause fear, divert resources, and place both responders and the public in genuine danger as they rush to the scene. Levy warned that a single phone call could lead to imprisonment.
Duhaime, who previously served as the university’s new technology manager and director of the Immersive Media Lab, made a call to university police in September 2022 claiming that a package he had received exploded, causing injuries to his arms. His call prompted a significant law enforcement response, with the area being evacuated and the bomb squad called in.
An investigation by the FBI revealed inconsistencies in Duhaime’s account. The alleged explosive devices were not found, and the accompanying letter was determined to be in pristine condition. Further scrutiny uncovered that Duhaime had saved a copy of the letter on his computer before reporting the incident to authorities.
Prosecutors, in their sentencing memorandum, sought a year and a day in jail for Duhaime, characterizing his actions as disruptive and wasteful. Levy criticized Duhaime for perpetuating the hoax by providing false information during multiple interviews, even going as far as to implicate specific individuals.
While Duhaime’s attorney argued for time served, citing his lack of prior criminal record and health issues, the court ultimately sentenced him to over a year in prison. The incident led to Duhaime’s termination from Northeastern University and significant personal challenges, including financial strain and mental health issues.
Northeastern University, a private institution, boasts a student body of over 18,000 undergraduate students and 22,000 graduate students.
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