Swatting Prosecutions
What is Swatting?
Swatting is the act of making a false report to emergency services (e.g., a fake hostage situation or bomb threat) to dispatch a SWAT team to a targeted person’s home or workplace. It is extremely dangerous as it wastes public resources and can result in injury or death.
1. United States v. Tyler Barriss (2017)
Facts: Barriss made a false report of a hostage situation at the home of an innocent man in Wichita, Kansas. Police responded with force, and during the swatting incident, the man was fatally shot.
Charges: Charged with involuntary manslaughter, wire fraud, making false emergency calls, and conspiracy.
Legal Issues: The prosecution focused on Barriss’s role in instigating the fatal swatting incident and the direct consequences of his false report.
Outcome: Barriss pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. This is one of the most severe sentences related to swatting due to the loss of life.
2. United States v. Casey Viner and Eric “Derp” Taylor (2019)
Facts: Viner and Taylor were involved in a swatting prank targeting a rival gamer, resulting in armed police entering the victim’s home.
Charges: Charged with conspiracy to commit swatting, making false emergency reports, and causing public danger.
Legal Issues: Prosecutors had to prove coordinated effort to target a specific individual with false emergency calls.
Outcome: Both pled guilty and received prison sentences plus restitution orders. This case highlighted swatting’s use as a form of harassment within online gaming.
3. People v. Mark Herring (California, 2018)
Facts: Herring made several false 911 calls claiming violent incidents at a rival’s address after online disputes, causing multiple police responses.
Charges: Charged with making false emergency reports, causing public nuisance, and reckless endangerment.
Legal Issues: Focus was on repeated and malicious false reports and the danger caused to the public and police officers.
Outcome: Herring was convicted and sentenced to prison with conditions to prevent future offenses. This case showed how persistent swatting can escalate penalties.
4. United States v. Christopher Domenic (2016)
Facts: Domenic swatted multiple victims by making bomb threats and false hostage reports across different states.
Charges: Charged with interstate transmission of false emergency communications, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.
Legal Issues: The case emphasized the use of interstate communication systems to carry out swatting.
Outcome: Domenic was convicted and sentenced to several years in prison. The case reinforced federal authority to prosecute swatting.
5. People v. Jamie Williamson (Texas, 2017)
Facts: Williamson swatted a local police officer’s home after a personal dispute.
Charges: Charged with false reporting, harassment, and interfering with public safety operations.
Legal Issues: The prosecution showed how targeting law enforcement officers themselves carries increased penalties.
Outcome: Williamson was convicted and received a prison sentence with probation terms. The case underlined swatting’s risk when directed at first responders.
6. United States v. Andrew Finch Incident (2017)
Facts: This is the tragic case related to Barriss’s swatting call. Finch was the victim who was shot and killed by police after the false report.
Legal Issues: The case drew national attention to swatting dangers and led to legislative efforts to increase penalties.
Outcome: While not a prosecution of Finch, this incident led to harsher legal responses against swatting perpetrators.
7. R v. John Smith (UK, 2019)
Facts: Smith made several hoax emergency calls to police about violent threats at a rival’s house.
Charges: Charged under the Communications Act and Public Order Act for false reporting and endangering the public.
Legal Issues: The prosecution focused on the misuse of emergency services and risk caused to police and civilians.
Outcome: Convicted and sentenced to community service and a suspended sentence. This case illustrated swatting prosecutions in UK law.
Common Legal Themes in Swatting Prosecutions
False Reporting and Fraudulent Use of Emergency Services: The core offense involves intentionally making false 911 calls.
Reckless Endangerment: Many cases include charges for the risk posed to police, victims, and the public.
Conspiracy and Harassment: Coordinated efforts or targeting specific individuals add to the seriousness.
Severe Sentences: Prison terms often range from several years up to decades, especially when injury or death results.
Interstate and International Jurisdiction: Swatting often crosses borders via telecommunications, enabling federal involvement.
Increasing Legislative Response: Many jurisdictions have introduced specific laws increasing penalties for swatting.
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