Hearing Delayed In Superdome Bomb Threat Case
NEW ORLEANS (WWJ/AP) - The federal case against a Michigan man charged with phoning in a bomb threat to the Superdome during the New Orleans Saints' playoff win over the Detroit Lions in January is likely to be transferred from New Orleans to his home state.
Thirty-four-year-old Shawn Payton, of Jackson, Mich., was scheduled to make his initial court appearance in New Orleans on Monday.
But a federal magistrate agreed to postpone the hearing while the parties work out the details of transferring the case.
The FBI arrested Payton in Detroit on Jan. 30. Prosecutors say he called the Superdome reception desk during the on Jan. 7, when about 70,000 people were inside the stadium and claimed there was a bomb in the building.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in New Orleans said Payton made a second call 45 minutes later, saying there would be "severe consequences" if the "stupid southern team keeps winning." The Saints beat the Lions 45-28.
Payton, who is charged with sending threatening communications, faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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