Man found guilty of bomb threats at Palomar

SAN MARCOS — On May 7 a San Diego Superior Court jury found William Morris Hall II guilty of making false bomb threats that disrupted classes and services at Palomar College last fall.

Palomar College President Bob Deegan said, “We are thankful that this case has been brought to a successful conclusion. Our primary concern continues to be the safety and wellbeing of the students, faculty and staff at Palomar College.”

Hall was arrested by Palomar College Police on November 20 after investigation into threats that were received by telephone on September 13 and 19 and again on October 18, according to Palomar’s Chief of Police, Tom Plotts.

The threats resulted in a number of evacuations, including evacuation of the college’s child development center. No bombs were found during searches that followed each threat.

Deputy District Attorney Brendan McHugh prosecuted the case against Hall and reported that the jury returned the verdict of guilty on all six felony false bomb threat charges.

Superior Court Judge Joel Pressmen set June 4 as Hall’s sentencing date. Hall, 36, remains in county jail.

According to Palomar College Police Sergeant Lee Martin, the trial opened on April 29 in the San Diego North County Superior Court located in Vista. The case drew testimony from Palomar College Police and other employees as well as expert testimony from FBI investigators and telephone company personnel.

Chief Plotts said that Hall was a former student at Palomar College. At the time the threats were made, Hall was employed by a subcontractor that provides food service to the college.