ALBANY — The investigation that led to the arrest of a 14-year-old out of Halifax, Nova Scotia last week faced early challenges as the suspect used advanced methods to mask his identity, including spoofed IP addresses and phone numbers.
“We are talking about several layers of obfuscation,” explained Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “What we saw was voice-over IP, what we saw were VPNs being utilized… and spoofed IP addresses,” making it appear that the suspect was in multiple locations, including Texas.
According to Tremaroli, the teenager utilized Voice over IP services and Virtual Private Networks to mask his IP address and location. These tools allowed the suspect to appear as if he was calling from multiple locations, misdirecting authorities toward false leads across various states.
In addition, IP spoofing technology was used to further mislead investigators, adding layers of anonymity that complicated efforts to pinpoint the caller’s true location. According to the FBI, the suspect also operated on gaming and social media platforms—places where “communities of interest” share tips on concealing identities and discuss methods for carrying out undetected hoaxes.
Early in the investigation, the suspect’s use of these tools led law enforcement to several U.S. states, initially directing the FBI to an IP address in El Paso, Texas. As investigators continued to analyze the suspect’s digital footprint, they discovered more similar activity around Dallas, eventually determining that the IP addresses were spoofed, and the suspect was not physically located in Texas.
“This case required relentless data analysis and coordination across multiple jurisdictions,” Tremaroli said. “Thanks to our cellular analysis survey team, our computer analysis response team, and the reach and depth of resources within the FBI, the subject was quickly traced to Canada.”
With the complexity of the case intensifying, law enforcement utilized several specialized resources to overcome the suspect’s digital masking tactics. The FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team played a crucial role in narrowing down the geographic locations linked to the suspect’s calls. Meanwhile, the Computer Analysis Response Team examined electronic evidence from each interaction, helping to connect patterns and rule out false leads. Ultimately, the FBI contacted its legal attaché office in Ottawa, facilitating cross-border cooperation with Canadian authorities.
After numerous data reviews, over 25 search warrants, and assistance from the FBI’s El Paso and Dallas field offices, the investigation directed authorities to Halifax, where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and the Bridgewater Police Department coordinated with the FBI to arrest the teen on Friday. Canadian law enforcement has charged the suspect with public mischief, uttering threats, fraudulent use of a computer, and other related offenses. Due to his juvenile status, his identity has not been disclosed, and he remains in a juvenile detention facility awaiting further court appearances.
Bethlehem Police Chief Gina Cocchiara underscored the case’s complexity and praised the partnership with the FBI. “Our department worked tirelessly, writing over 25 search warrants and collaborating with state and federal partners to ensure a thorough investigation,” she said,
Authorities believe the teenager may be linked to additional hoaxes across various institutions, including schools, government agencies, universities, and private residences across at least twelve U.S. states and multiple locations across Canada. “We believe this individual is responsible for dozens of hoax threats to schools, restaurants, government organizations… in at least 12 states as well as multiple locations throughout Canada,” Tremaroli added. Several electronic devices were seized during his arrest, and investigators anticipate more leads as they analyze this evidence.
Though the suspect is in custody, Tremaroli advised the public to remain vigilant, noting that similar hoax threats might occur in response to the publicity surrounding the arrest. “It’s not unusual for there to be an uptick in hoax calls made after a public arrest like this,” he said, reminding the public to stay vigilant and continue working with law enforcement to keep the community safe.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are reviewing the seized evidence to identify potential connections to others involved in similar activities online.
Law enforcement officials announced on Monday the arrest of a Canadian teenager responsible for a series of hoax threats targeting Bethlehem Central schools over recent weeks. The case, described as highly complex, involved cooperation between multiple U.S. and Canadian agencies and required extensive investigation to track down the individual, who used sophisticated technology to hide his identity and evade detection.
The suspect now faces several charges in Canada, including public mischief, uttering threats, and fraudulent use of a computer. Due to his minor status, the authorities have withheld his identity. He was immediately remanded to a juvenile detention center before court proceedings. It is not clear if he will be extradited to face similar charges in the United States.
“It is important for me to acknowledge the emotional toll this has taken on our community,” Cocchiara said. “I want to thank our community members for uniting, looking out for each other, and trusting in our police department.”
Bethlehem Superintendent Jody Monroe expressed public support for law enforcement. She followed last week’s press conference with a statement direct to local families, thanking law enforcement for their efforts toward closing the case.
“We are grateful for the efforts of law enforcement and their diligence related to this case,” she stated, “This has been a difficult chapter for the entire BC community, however, because this is a police matter, the district will not comment further on this case.”
