Photo: E+
A Detroit mother has been sentenced after admitting she made false bomb threats to her daughter’s high school when the student was barred from participating in a school play, per PEOPLE.
On Thursday (January 15), Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Crystal Royster, 42, was sentenced after pleading guilty to reporting a false bomb threat against Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores.
Authorities said Royster made two false bomb reports in March 2025 after her daughter was prevented from taking part in a school play. School officials determined the student was ineligible to perform because she had gone home sick earlier that day, in accordance with school policy.
The bomb threats prompted the evacuation of approximately 700 people from the school building and triggered a large-scale response from St. Clair Shores Police and neighboring law enforcement agencies.
“The defendant was sentenced today for making a false bomb report that resulted in a significant emergency response,” Lucido said in a statement. “While the court determined that probation was the appropriate outcome, her actions nonetheless caused disruption and concern within the community.”
Royster pleaded guilty in November 2025 to a charge of making a false bomb threat, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison under Michigan law.
Authorities emphasized that false threats place significant strain on emergency resources and create fear for students, staff, and families.
Prosecutors said Royster will serve 18 months of probation, including 14 days in the Macomb County Jail. She received credit for three days already served. As part of her sentence, Royster is prohibited from contacting victims connected to the incident, must notify the school before entering campus grounds, and is required to complete a Class A impulse control course.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.