An Arkansas woman has pleaded guilty to felony charges after threatening to bomb the office of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The 66-year-old woman, Susan Scott of Fort Smith, entered her guilty plea on Friday, concluding a case that began with a chilling threat earlier this summer.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Susan Scott pleaded guilty to charges of threatening a catastrophe and second-degree battery of a police officer. She was sentenced to the 78 days she had already served in the Sebastian County Jail and was fined $2,500. Additionally, Sebastian County Circuit Judge R. Gunner DeLay ordered Scott to have no contact with Gov. Sanders, her family, or the arresting officer. As part of her sentence, Scott must also complete an anger management course within the next six months.
Details of the Threat
The threat, which sparked the charges against Scott, was made on June 14. According to investigators, Scott made a phone call in which she threatened to bomb Gov. Sanders’ office. The threats continued even as officers arrived at her home to arrest her. During the arrest, Scott resisted, leading to additional charges of second-degree battery after she reportedly kicked and head-butted a police officer.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney Daniel Shue explained that sentencing guidelines did not recommend further prison time for Scott. Both Gov. Sanders and the police officer involved in the incident agreed to the plea deal, which avoided additional incarceration.
Shue emphasized that Scott does not have the capability to follow through on her threats. “Scott has no present ability to manufacture an explosive device, much less place and detonate an explosive device in the Office of the Governor,” he said in a news release.
No Serious Injuries Reported
Fortunately, the officer involved in the arrest was not seriously injured during the incident. The case, however, highlights the serious consequences of making threats against public officials, even when those threats are not backed by the means to carry them out.
