SALT LAKE CITY — A woman from Tooele now faces serious legal repercussions, having been charged with felony terrorism following an alarming bomb threat against the University of Utah Medical Center in September.
Macie Lynne Ctibor, 20, was formally charged on Friday with Threat of Terrorism—a third-degree felony that signifies the gravity of her actions. According to court documents, the incident unfolded on September 17, when a vigilant University Police detective was alerted to a potential threat against the medical facility, leading to a thorough security sweep of the premises.
The assistant director of operations for the medical center reported to police that the incident resulted in significant disruptions, with delays in patient care tallying over $10,000. This financial burden was further compounded by several surgical procedures that had to be postponed.
In the aftermath of the security sweep, law enforcement officers interviewed the phone operator who received the ominous call. She recounted that the caller ominously warned her that a bomb was located within the facility and that it would detonate in a mere thirty minutes. Notably, the entire call lasted only six seconds.
Following up on the investigation, police conducted a records check to trace the threatening phone call to Ctibor. They discovered that she had repeatedly contacted the medical center using the same phone number during the months of July and August. This information, along with her address, was verified by the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office, which had maintained previous communication records with her.
When detectives arrived at the address linked to Ctibor, they engaged with a relative who informed them that she no longer resided there. Nevertheless, the relative facilitated a speakerphone call to Ctibor, allowing officers to communicate their need to speak with her directly.
Subsequent to this, officers visited Ctibor’s new residence, where they encountered a person claiming to be her attorney. This individual stated that they would not provide any statements regarding the incident. Shortly thereafter, Ctibor emerged from the home and exhibited apparent disbelief, rolling her eyes as detectives explained their reason for being there. Police then seized her cellphone, and a search warrant was subsequently obtained to download its contents for further investigation.
Analysis of the phone data revealed a direct connection to Czibor’s threat; it appeared to be motivated by her outstanding medical debts owed to the very medical center she threatened, of which she was reportedly struggling to make payments. The timing of her call correlated precisely with the moment the bomb threat was reported by the phone operator.
At the time of reporting, no court date had yet been scheduled for Ctibor.
**Interview with Legal Expert on Recent Felony Terrorism Charge in Utah**
**Editor:** Today we have Dr. Margaret Sullivan, a legal expert specializing in criminal law, joining us to discuss the recent case involving Macie Lynne Ctibor, who has been charged with felony terrorism following a bomb threat at the University of Utah Medical Center. Thank you for being here, Dr. Sullivan.
**Dr. Sullivan:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** Let’s start with the gravity of the charges against Ctibor. Can you explain what “Threat of Terrorism” means under Utah law?
**Dr. Sullivan:** Certainly. In Utah, a “Threat of Terrorism” is considered a third-degree felony. It implies that the accused has made a credible threat that instills fear for public safety or causes widespread disruption. In this case, the bomb threat led to significant operational interruptions at the medical center, including delays in patient care and postponed surgical procedures, which is particularly alarming.
**Editor:** That’s a good point. The financial impact reported was over $10,000 due to the disruptions. How might that affect the legal proceedings against her?
**Dr. Sullivan:** The financial ramifications can play a role in the court’s consideration of the case. While the charge is primarily about the threat itself, the disruptions caused can be viewed as aggravating factors. Such consequences often influence sentencing and can lead to harsher penalties if she is found guilty.
**Editor:** In terms of potential defenses, what avenues might Ctibor’s legal team explore?
**Dr. Sullivan:** Her defense team may argue issues like lack of intent, mental health considerations, or even miscommunication. If it can be demonstrated that she did not have clear intent to cause panic or harm, or if there are mental health issues at play, that could significantly impact the case’s outcome.
**Editor:** Given the seriousness of these charges, what can we expect in the coming weeks as the legal process unfolds?
**Dr. Sullivan:** The legal process will likely involve preliminary hearings where evidence will be reviewed, and potential motions filed by both defense and prosecution. If the case goes to trial, we could see significant media coverage and public interest due to the nature of the charges. Sentencing, if convicted, could include prison time, probation, and restitution for the financial damages caused.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Sullivan, for your insights on this disturbing case. We’ll be following this story closely as it develops.
**Dr. Sullivan:** Thank you for having me, and I encourage everyone to stay informed about legal proceedings like this, as they have broader implications for community safety.
