California Teen Pleads Guilty After Making Hundreds of ‘Swatting’ Calls

The defendant made more than 375 swatting and threat calls between August 2022 and January 2024, according to federal authorities.
California Teen Pleads Guilty After Making Hundreds of ‘Swatting’ Calls
A man poses with an iPhone in a mobile phone store in a file photo. Stephane Mahe/Reuters
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An 18-year-old Southern Californian pleaded guilty Nov. 13 to making “swatting” calls targeting churches, schools, government officials, and other victims, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Alan Filion, of Lancaster, about 70 miles north of Los Angeles, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of making interstate threats to injure people, federal officials reported.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.