Man Made Online Threats Against Hillsborough Courthouse: Sheriff

TAMPA, FL — A man faces charges for making online threats against the Hillsborough County Courthouse, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Adam Robitaille, 46, was charged with written or electronic threat to kill or do bodily injury.

He made comments on a social networking site “suggesting an imminent threat at the courthouse” on Jan. 6, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies responded to a tip about the posts on Jan. 7.

“Although Robitaille deleted the posts, the content produced a credible and well-founded fear for the safety of Hillsborough County Courthouse employees, staff and citizens,” the sheriff’s office said.

During an interview with detectives, he admitted to making the posts “out of frustration,” the agency said.

"Our community's safety is our highest priority, and we take any threat — whether made in frustration or otherwise — extremely seriously," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "I commend the concerned citizen who reported this and our detectives for acting swiftly to prevent what could have been a tragedy. This incident serves as a reminder that words have consequences, and our office will continue to be vigilant in protecting the people of Hillsborough County."