VIDALIA, La. – Kenneth Allen Moody, 33, originally from Hot Springs, Arkansas, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for making threats. This was announced by United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown. Moody’s sentencing was carried out by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell, who also ordered 3 years of supervised release for Moody.
The charges against Moody stemmed from a threatening phone call he made to the Vidalia Police Department in July 2022 while living in Vidalia, Louisiana. During the call, Moody expressed his intention to turn himself in and made alarming statements about a possible mass shooting at Natchez High School in Mississippi. He claimed to have been planning the shooting for months and mentioned having loaded automatic weapons.
Following the threatening call, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Vidalia Police Department conducted an investigation that led to Moody being identified as the caller. The cellular device used to make the call was traced to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where Moody had subscriber information. Despite living in Louisiana at the time of the call, Moody’s connection to the threat was established.
Moody was indicted on one count of interstate communication of a threat and subsequently admitted to making the call with the intent to threaten or knowing that the communication would be perceived as a threat. Assistant United States Attorney Tennille M. Gilreath handled the prosecution of the case.
Moody’s sentencing and conviction serve as a reminder of the serious consequences of making threats and the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in addressing such behavior. The cooperation between the FBI and local law enforcement in this case demonstrates the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of communities.