Man Sentenced to Prison for Submitting False Tips Claiming Mass-Casualty Attacks at Military Facilities
Background
A Santa Fe Springs man, Daniel Sandoval, 29, was sentenced to a year in prison on November 4 after pleading guilty to submitting false tips claiming various women planned mass-casualty attacks at U.S. military facilities in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
False Tips and Hoaxes
On March 21, 2021, Sandoval submitted a false tip to the Department of Defense, alleging that a specific woman was planning to detonate bombs and carry out a mass attack at a United States Navy facility in Seal Beach. Over the next few days, he submitted seven additional tips that falsely accused other women of planning attacks, including bombings and mass shootings, at different military facilities, including a U.S. Army Reserve Center in South El Monte and a U.S. military hospital in Bell Gardens.
Consequences of Sandoval’s Actions
Sandoval’s actions had significant consequences, including the disruption of public and government functions and services, including the evacuation of personnel from a Navy building. The women identified by Sandoval in the phony tips were identified only by initials in court documents.
Prosecution Argument
According to a Department of Justice news release, prosecutors argued that Sandoval’s conduct harmed not only the military bases he targeted and the personnel living or working on those bases but also harmed the innocent women he claimed were perpetrating these dangerous threats.
Sentence
Sandoval pleaded guilty in February to one count of false information and hoaxes and was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison.
Conclusion
Sandoval’s actions demonstrate the serious consequences of spreading false information and hoaxes, particularly in situations where they can cause harm to individuals and disrupt public safety. His sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and the need to ensure that our communities are protected from false information and threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Daniel Sandoval charged with?
A: Sandoval was charged with one count of false information and hoaxes.
Q: What were the consequences of Sandoval’s actions?
A: Sandoval’s actions disrupted public and government functions and services, including the evacuation of personnel from a Navy building.
Q: How long was Sandoval sentenced to prison?
A: Sandoval was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison.
Q: Why was Sandoval’s conduct considered harmful?
A: Sandoval’s conduct was considered harmful because it caused harm to the military bases he targeted, the personnel living or working on those bases, and the innocent women he claimed were perpetrating the threats.
