A Florida International University student is facing serious legal consequences following private social media messages that led to an FBI investigation.
Ronaldo Hernandez-Padron, an 18-year-old student, appeared before a Miami-Dade judge after being arrested for alleged threats to conduct violent acts. This legal action stemmed from a group chat on Instagram where Hernandez-Padron reportedly stated, “bad things are going to happen” and mentioned “bombing a house today.”
The incident came to the attention of law enforcement when Instagram, owned by Meta, alerted the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center about Hernandez-Padron’s account. His attorney, David Donet, argued that the comments were merely jokes, attributing them to youthful inexperience. Donet is hopeful for a low bond to secure Hernandez-Padron’s release, citing his academic standing as an honor student at Florida International University. However, the university has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Despite the defense’s argument, the seriousness of the charges cannot be overlooked. Judge Mindy Glazer emphasized the gravity of online statements, highlighting recent tragic events that underscore the need for vigilance. She noted, “You can’t joke about anything online because it’s a lot of bad things happening in this world, and the police take everything seriously as they should.”
If convicted, Hernandez-Padron could face up to 15 years in prison. The case reflects broader societal concerns about the implications of social media communications and the fine line between freedom of expression and security threats.
The case against Hernandez-Padron serves as a stern reminder of the potential consequences of online communications, especially when they involve threatening language. As the legal proceedings continue, it underscores the critical role of social media platforms and law enforcement in monitoring and addressing potential threats.
Source: Nbcmiami
