NJ Man Charged in Swatting, Weapon Hoax Scheme

Justin Flavien, a 22-year-old man from Maywood, New Jersey, has been arrested and extradited to Broward County, Florida, for allegedly making multiple swatting calls in Parkland. These incidents occurred in August 2024, with false reports of shootings, including claims of a hostage situation and a shooting involving a sister. Despite efforts to hide his identity using various technologies and phone numbers, Flavien was identified by the Broward Sheriff's Office in collaboration with the Maywood Police Department. Investigators discovered that Flavien may have conducted similar hoaxes across the country. He faces charges including making a false report concerning a bomb, explosive, or weapon of mass destruction and using a two-way communication device to further a felony offense. Authorities recovered multiple electronic devices from his home during the investigation.