Two government employees charged in hoax bomb incident
Two Cape Coral men – both government employees – are accused of recently planting a hoax bomb at a Lee County facility as a prank.
Randall Clayton Feinstein, 61, of 446 S.W. Sixth St., and William Loring Prussman, 64, of 242 S.W. 39th St., were arrested and charged Wednesday with threat to bomb manufacture possess sell deliver or mail hoax bomb.
Feinstein was additionally charged with obstructing justice tampering in second-degree felony proceeding, according to jail booking records.
Both men were denied bond and remain at the Lee County Jail.
Neither could be reached for comment Wednesday.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a suspicious package Sept. 8 at the Lee County Fleet Management facility, at 2955 Van Buren St., in Fort Myers. Deputies responded to the scene and discovered a briefcase.
It was found leaning against a light pole directly between two gas pumps.
After talking with the fleet shop superintendent, Prussman, and in light of the increased security concerns surrounding the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the facility and nearby areas were evacuated, according to LCSO officials.
The Southwest Florida Regional Bomb Squad responded. It was determined, after several hours, that the briefcase did not contain explosive, biological or chemical components. The LCSO assumed the investigation of the incident.
The investigation reportedly revealed that Prussman and Feinstein, a supervisor, were responsible for placing the case at the pump as a prank.
As a senior employee, Feinstein reportedly even threatened staffers with disciplinary measures if they reported their involvement to authorities.
Marilyn Rawlings, director of Lee County Fleet Management, said Wednesday that an employee came forward after the incident with some information. An internal investigation was opened, which revealed the need to alert the LCSO.
It was too much for county officials to handle, she explained.
County administration cooperated with the LCSO and its investigation.
Feinstein and Prussman have been placed on administrative leave, she said. Officials should have a decision today on their future with the department.
Rawlings called Wednesday a bad day for all.
Feinstein has been employed with the county for more than 20 years.
Prussman has been a Lee County employee for eight years.
Both men have a court appearance scheduled Nov. 14.