Delaware Gov. Signs Stiff Terror Hoax Law after Credit Union Package Scare

DOVER, Del. – Less than a week after Delaware FCU reopened its doors for business after a suspicious package forced employees to evacuate, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner has made it a felony to plant any type of terror hoax device. On Aug. 23, Minner signed into law legislation that would make it illegal to possess, transport, use or place an item which appears to be or to contain an explosive device or other similar device with the intent to cause anxiety, unrest, real or personal discomfort. The penalty for anyone convicted of the Class E felony is a maximum of three years in prison and/or a fine set by the court. The new law will also address intent with authorities questioning perpetrators on their reason for planting phony terror hoax devices, said State Department of Homeland Security Secretary David Mitchell. The legislation was sponsored by state Sens. James T. Vaughn, (D-Clayton) and Thurman G. Adams Jr.,(D-Bridgeville). The suspicious package found by an employee on Aug. 18 on Delaware FCU’s front steps was later determined to be office supplies ordered by the credit union and left by an early-morning courier. It caused the evacuation of a four-square-block area around the state capitol. Delaware FCU was evacuated and remained closed until Aug. 19.