The woman arrested by the FBI in connection with a hoax bomb threat against Boston Children's Hospital was released on conditions after a detention hearing on Friday.
U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins identified the woman as Catherine Leavy of Westfield, Massachusetts, who is charged with one count of making a false telephonic bomb threat, in connection with a threat made to the hospital on Aug. 30. Investigators says she has admitted to it, expressing disapproval of the hospital several times during her interview with federal agents.
She was released on conditions following Friday's hearing, including GPS monitoring with a zone of exclusion around Boston Children's Hospital.
Get New England news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NECN newsletters.
“While I cannot comment further on the alleged motive of this case, I want to say generally, that health care providers who support and offer care to gender-diverse and transgender individuals and their families deserve to do so without fear,” Rollins said.
Boston Children's Hospital has received phone-in threats twice in recent weeks.
Most recently, on Sept. 9, police said multiple units were called to the hospital around 11:30 a.m. following a threat.
About a week earlier, on Aug. 30, an anonymous bomb threat set off a lockdown at the hospital while a bomb squad canvassed the building. Nothing suspicious was found and no one was hurt.
Boston's Children's Hospital recently warned staff about an increase in threats to their institution, which were tied to the care the facility offers to transgender youth. Federal officials said Thursday that there have been dozens of hoax threats to the institution.
"As AG Garland has said recently, the Department of Justice will ensure equal protection of transgender people under the law," Rollins said.
She faces up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000, if she’s ultimately convicted.
