California Teen Pleads Guilty to Swatting Charges

Alan W. Filion, an 18-year-old from Lancaster, California, has pleaded guilty to four counts of making interstate threats after making over 375 swatting calls from August 2022 to January 2024. Filion targeted religious institutions, schools, and government officials, claiming to plant bombs or threatening mass shootings. He began his swatting activities at 16 and later attempted to profit by offering swatting services for a fee. Filion's actions not only endangered lives but also wasted significant public resources and instilled fear in communities, according to the Department of Justice and FBI. He faces up to five years in prison per count, with sentencing yet to be scheduled. The case highlights a severe national issue with swatting incidents, prompting a strong response from federal authorities.