A former Lauderdale County educator is facing federal charges after making online threats against local school officials and former students.
Court documents show that Daniel Christian Johnson, 36, made online threats over social media, including threats to kill named victims and commit other acts of violence using firearms and explosives.
Additionally, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Johnson’s home last week and discovered what are alleged to be components of explosive devices or materials used for the manufacturing of explosives.
Johnson is charged with interstate communications with the threat to kidnap or injure and willfully making a threat involving explosive materials.
If convicted, the former teacher faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Johnson has also been charged with Mississippi state offenses by the Office of the District Attorney for the 10th Circuit Court District, and he is presently in custody.
The FBI and the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case.
