In a press release on Oct. 15, Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III announced today that Brent Dickinson of 2601 Maple Ave. Apt. 9 Saratoga Springs, NY was sentenced to one to three years in a state prison in Saratoga County Court for an attempted terroristic threat as a Class E Felony for a crime that occurred on March 2, 2012.
Dickinson had posted threats against President Barack Obama online using a Skidmore computer in the Sasselin Art building. This charge is still pending with the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Dickinson also threatened young school children at an unnamed and nonspecific school in Saratoga County, and it is alleged that he threatened to torture and kill elementary age school children.
"We take any threats against children in schools seriously. We've seen too many of these people take action on threats that result in death and serious injury," Murphy said in the press release. "We have to ensure that kids are safe on the bus and at school. We have to assist teachers and administrators in making our schools a place to learn and be safe; not to be worried about threats of violence and danger."
According to the press release, Dickinson took full responsibility for sending the emails to the school and to the president. He fully admitted his conduct was criminal in court and understood what he did was wrong. He recognized the nature and character of his behavior and realized that his medication is helping him significantly.
Judge Scarano ordered the defendant to seek counseling and stay on his medication while incarcerated and after he is released.
"Mr. Dickinson is presently under the care of a doctor and will continue to be while incarcerated," Murphy said in the press release. "He will also continue to be medicated during his incarceration and after being released. He has the resources of Saratoga County Mental Health at his disposal in the event he is in need of treatment in the future. "
An Order of Protection was issued against Dickinson, ordering him to stay away from all parochial and private schools in Saratoga County, the Skidmore College campus, all branches of the YMCA of Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department and the US Secret Service cooperated in the investigation.