A 19-year-old Michigan man has been sentenced to eight months in federal prison after pleading guilty to making a bomb threat that disrupted a Carnival Cruise Line voyage. Joshua Darrell Lowe admitted to sending a false email warning about an explosive device aboard the Carnival Sunrise ship, which was on a Caribbean cruise at the time. According to federal court documents, Lowe’s email to the company stated, “Hey, I think someone might have a bomb on your sunrise cruise ship [sic].” Carnival immediately treated the message as a credible threat, notifying authorities and diverting the ship to Jamaica for a thorough inspection. Over 1,000 cabins were searched, but no explosives were found.
A Personal Grudge with Major Consequences
Prosecutors revealed that Lowe’s motivation was not related to terrorism or any vendetta against the cruise company. Instead, the threat stemmed from personal frustration. Lowe was reportedly upset that his girlfriend had gone on the cruise with her family, leaving him behind to care for their pets. Acting out of jealousy and anger, he sent the hoax email as an act of retaliation. The FBI traced the anonymous email back to Lowe and questioned him. He admitted to sending the message and was charged with one count of conveying false information and hoaxes. He later pleaded guilty in court, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions.
Legal Repercussions and Personal Fallout
On Monday, a federal judge handed down the sentence: eight months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. In a sentencing memorandum, Lowe’s defense attorney noted that the relationship with his girlfriend has since ended. The court emphasized Lowe’s disruptive impact, which not only caused widespread panic but also led to the unnecessary deployment of significant law enforcement and emergency resources. Passengers were inconvenienced, the ship’s itinerary was altered, and Jamaican officials had to conduct an exhaustive security sweep.
FBI Issues Strong Warning on False Threats
Cheyvoryea Gibson, the FBI Special Agent in charge of the investigation, underscored the dangers of making hoax threats. “Bomb threats are not a laughing matter and are extremely irresponsible,” Gibson said in a statement. “When individuals make false hoax threats, they divert critical law enforcement resources and spread unnecessary fear.” The case serves as a sobering reminder that even seemingly impulsive decisions made out of emotion can carry severe legal and personal consequences. The FBI reiterated that it treats all threats to public safety with the utmost seriousness and will ensure that those responsible face justice.
or a specific category with our 
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.