WEEKS, RODNEY STEVEN

The man believed to be responsible for the evacuation of the Toombs County Courthouse on November 15 because of a bomb threat has been arrested and charged.

The Toombs County Sheriff’s Office reports that around 10:06 a.m. on that date, dispatch received a call from the Toombs County Magistrate Court stating that a threat of a bomb inside the place of county government had been received, and courthouse security took that call seriously and removed everyone from the building as a precaution. No device was located, and eventually, the courthouse was deemed safe, and business resumed.

The Toombs County Sheriff’s Office and the Lyons Police Department reacted to the call, and although no bomb was found, an extensive investigation was begun. According to the Magistrate’s office, the call to the office showed no identification, and the male caller simply said, [quote] “There’s a bomb in the courtroom,” {end quote] and the call ended.

As part of the investigation investigators utilized the help and resources of Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney Tripp Fitzner’s Office to identify a suspect. In addition, investigators learned that the Lyons Police Department had received another such call on November 24, regarding a call that there was a bomb at the convenience store there, but no evidence in that case was discovered either.

Last Thursday afternoon, law enforcement arrested Rodney Steven Weeks, age 44, of Vidalia and charged him with terroristic threats and acts for the bomb threat at the Toombs County Courthouse. Weeks is being housed in the Toombs County Detention Center and held on no bond at this time.

The investigation into both bomb threats is still active. Anyone with information is asked to call the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office at 526-6778 or the Lyons Police Department at 526-3638. Callers can remain anonymous.