Michigan Man Charged with Making Threats to Superdome

NEW ORLEANS—SHAWN H. PAYTON, age 34, a resident of Jackson, Michigan, who was recently charged by criminal complaint in the Eastern District of Louisiana with sending threatening communications through interstate commerce, was arrested today by the FBI in Michigan announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.

According to public court documents, on January 7, 2012, at approximately 9:15 p.m., during the nationally televised National Football League (NFL) playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Detroit Lions, a threatening phone call was received by the Superdome reception desk. A male caller called the reception desk and asked the receptionist if this was the arena where the New Orleans Saints play. The receptionist stated that it was, and the caller responded that there was a bomb in the building. At this time, the Superdome was filled with over 70,000 people attending the game. A second call came into the Gate F reception desk at approximately 10:00 p.m. The receptionist noticed “7000‑3” on the caller identification, indicating a blocked call. The recorded call obtained from Superdome Information Technology Department confirmed a male caller stated, “Hi, I want you to relay a message to the sideline, if your stupid Southern team keeps winning, there will be reper...severe consequences, okay?” Subsequent investigation by the FBI revealed the caller to be SHAWN H. PAYTON of Jackson, Michigan.

PAYTON made his initial appearance before a United States Magistrate in Detroit today. He was released on bond and ordered to appear in the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 14, 2012.

If convicted, PAYTON faces a maximum term of five years’ imprisonment, and a $250,000.00 fine.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Kennedy.