A Detroit man and an East Alton, Illinois man are both facing charges after investigators say they were behind a wave of terror threats that targeted businesses across Madison County.
Jarrett M. Maki, 25, of Detroit, and Austin H. Blair, 25, of East Alton, have each been charged with 11 felony counts of making terrorist threats. The case involves a series of calls between late July and late August where threats of shootings and bombs were made against restaurants and bars in East Alton, Wood River and Bethalto, Illinois. Businesses targeted included Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Sonic, Casey’s, Domino’s and the Runway Lounge.
Blair was the first to be identified. Police traced the threatening calls back to his IP address and executed a search warrant at his East Alton home on September 3. Investigators say evidence was seized and Blair admitted to making the calls.
Three days later, on September 6, Maki was arrested at the World-Wide Technology Raceway in Madison. He was taken into custody and formally charged on September 9.
What Maki is Alleged to Have Said:
* July 28: Told Taco Bell staff that “a dude with a big gun” was walking toward the store. In separate calls that day, said a shooter was coming to the McDonald’s and the Sonic in East Alton. Also warned that “an active shooter” would arrive “in five to ten minutes” at Casey’s in Wood River.
* July 29: Threatened to “shoot up” the Domino’s in East Alton.
* July 30: Made a similar threat against the Sonic in East Alton.
* July 31: Threatened the McDonald’s in East Alton again with a shooter warning.
* August 10: Told Domino’s workers someone was coming “to blow their heads off.”
* August 18: Targeted the Runway Lounge in Bethalto with unspecified threats.
* August 21: Threatened to blow up the Domino’s building and shoot the staff.
* August 27: Again threatened to “shoot up” the Runway Lounge in Bethalto.
Under Illinois law, each Class X felony carries a sentencing range of 6 to 30 years in prison with no possibility of probation. With 11 counts filed against each defendant, they are both facing the potential of decades in prison if convicted.
A preliminary hearing for Maki is scheduled for October 3 before Judge Emily Nielsen. Both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
