Teacher convicted of bomb threats to students

updated 9:54 p.m. ET April 2, 2007

FREDERICK, Md. - A sixth-grade teacher was convicted Monday of making false bomb threats that targeted five students attending the middle school where she taught.

Michelle J. Dohm, 41, had pleaded not guilty but agreed to a written statement of facts, on which Frederick County Circuit Judge Julie Stevenson Solt based her verdict. In return, prosecutors dropped seven felony threat counts and four misdemeanor stalking counts.

Dohm, a married mother, made the threats from September 2005 to April 2006. The threats were in notes found in the boys' lockers, a Thurmont Middle School bathroom and envelopes mailed to two of the victims' homes.

Some of the notes began, "Tick Tock Tick Tock. Is it a bomb or is it a clock?"

Solt ordered a pre-sentencing investigation that will include a psychiatric examination. Sentencing is set for June.

The five felonies carry a combined maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. A prosecutor said he will seek 18 months in jail for her.

State's Attorney J. Charles Smith declined to comment until after sentencing.

Defense attorney Thomas C. Morrow said Dohm continues to maintain her innocence.

"She just wanted to avoid the pain and anguish of a two-week trial on her family and the community," he said.

MORE FROM EDUCATION

Education Section Front

Obama wants $12 billion for 2-year colleges Autistic girl arrested; parents sue school How much homework is too much? Black-white education gap persists Calif. university chief proposes furloughs Prosecutor: Foreign students lived in filth Education Section Front   Add Education headlines to your news reader: