Waltham Bomb Threat Suspect Arrested - For Cyberstalking

WALTHAM, MA — A Newton man was arrested last night on charges that he conducted an extensive cyberstalking campaign against his former roommate, a 24-year-old Massachusetts woman, as well as her friends, family members, and other associates around Waltham, resulting in daily bomb threats around the city, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts.

“I want to thank the Waltham Police Detectives and the FBI Investigators who worked so diligently to bring this party to justice,” said Waltham Police Chief Keith D. MacPherson in a release. “I also want to thank the Superintendent and the Waltham School Department for their efforts working in conjunction with law enforcement. I also want to recognize the Waltham Police Department Safety Officer and the School Resource Officers for their hard work ensuring the safety of our school children and faculty."

Ryan S. Lin, 24, of Newton, was charged with one count of cyberstalking and appeared in U.S. District Court in Boston Friday for an initial appearance. He is being held without bail pending a hearing on Oct 11.

MacPherson said the lengthy and complex investigation involved many agencies over several months but wasn't over yet. It's not clear if authorities believe Lin was the only person responsible for the bomb threats around the city.

"We appreciate the patience and understanding of those in our community who were affected by these criminal acts and thank those who have allowed us to work towards the best result possible in our attempts to put an end to these disruptions,” said the chief.

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In addition to the cyberstalking, it is alleged that Lin falsely and repeatedly reported to law enforcement that there were bombs at the victim’s Waltham residence. Lin also allegedly created a false social media profile in the name of the victim’s roommate in Waltham and posted that he was going to “shoot up” a school in a nearby town. These threats were part of a larger pattern of threats to local schools and other institutions in her community of Waltham.

“As alleged, Mr. Lin orchestrated an extensive, multi-faceted campaign of computer hacking and online harassment that caused a huge amount of angst, alarm, and unnecessary expenditure of limited law enforcement resources,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division. “This kind of behavior is not a prank, and it isn't harmless. He allegedly scared innocent people, and disrupted their daily lives, because he was blinded by his obsession. No one should feel unsafe in their own home, school, or workplace, and the FBI and our law enforcement partners hope today's arrest will deter others from engaging in similar criminal conduct.”

There were more than 80 bomb threats reported around the city of Waltham, mostly at schools last month, and this month was shaping up for more of the same. As parents and families get alert after alert from the schools letting them know about soft lock-downs and building sweeps, Waltham residents have become increasingly nervous and called on the authorities for answers to when the threats would stop.

Weeks ago, police and school authorities set up a meeting for Oct. 11, but many parents were angry that it was set so far in advance, and a handful took to the street outside City Hall to protest. Others showed their support for the schools and teachers, as well as the police who handled the threats, by sending food and cards to the police station and some schools.

“Those who think they can use the Internet to terrorize people and hide behind the anonymity of the net and outwit law enforcement should think again,” said acting assistant attorney aeneral Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s criminal division. “The Department of Justice will be relentless in its efforts to identify, arrest, prosecute, and punish the perpetrators of these horrendous acts and seek justice on behalf of their victims.”

Lin allegedly engaged in an extensive, multi-faceted campaign of computer hacking and cyberstalking — that began in April 2016 and continued until the date of his arrest — against a 24-year-old woman, her family, friends and institutions associated with her. Lin, the victim’s former roommate, allegedly hacked into the victim’s online accounts and devices, stealing private photographs, personally identifiable information and private diary entries that contained highly sensitive details about her medical, psychological and sexual history. It is alleged that Lin then distributed the victim’s private photographs and diary entries to hundreds of others, according to U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts.

“Mr. Lin allegedly carried out a relentless cyber stalking campaign against a young woman in a chilling effort to violate her privacy and threaten those around her,” said Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb. “While using anonymizing services and other online tools to avoid attribution, Mr. Lin harassed the victim, her family, friends, co-workers and roommates, and then targeted local schools and institutions in her community. Mr. Lin will now face the consequences of his crimes.”

Lin allegedly created and posted fraudulent online profiles in the victim’s name (with her photographs and home address) and solicited rape fantasies, including “gang bang” and other sexual activities, which in turn caused men to show up at her home.

The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than five years in prison and three years of supervised release. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This morning this message was sent to parents and families in Waltham from Mayor McCarthy, the Chief of Police and the Superintendent sometime around 10 a.m. :

We would like to let you know that late last night the Waltham Police Department, in collaboration with federal authorities, arrested an individual in connection with an investigation into a series of threats in Waltham and surrounding communities.
The suspect is now in custody and this investigation remains active and ongoing.
We want to personally thank the entire Waltham Police Department, the FBI, the US Attorney’s Office, The Waltham Fire Department and 911 Dispatch for all of their hard work. We also want to especially acknowledge and thank the Waltham School Safety Officer and the Waltham School Resource Officers.
We also thank all employees in the Waltham Public Schools, who continued to demonstrate tireless efforts to support safety and security during these unsettling times. The appropriate authorities will share more information as soon as they are able.
Finally, we want to thank the entire community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.We will continue to be vigilant about the safety and security of our schools and our entire community, which will continue to be our top priority.

Story unfolding. Updates to come.

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