RAPID CITY, South Dakota — A former Gilmour Academy volunteer employee was arrested on Saturday in South Dakota for allegedly making threats against the private Catholic school located in Gates Mills.
Thomas G. Bares, 53, of Concord Township, is charged with interstate threatening communications for allegedly posting threats towards Gilmour Academy on various social media platforms.
In July, the Gates Mills Police Department was notified by school officials after they noticed Bares posted allegations about the Gilmour Academy.
According to the federal complaint, on Aug. 18 and Aug. 21, Bares’ posts included the following threats:
- “Spotlight on Gilmour Academy” with a photo of a handgun and ammunition, he continued, “I have no fear of creating a holy war……”
- Pictures of administrative staff and references to a sergeant employed with Gates Mills Police Department were included indicating “all hell will break loose.”
- A video titled, “It is Finished” showing Bares with a handgun stating, “I ain’t gonna lay down…” was also posted.
- Another video posted shows Bares stating “Guess what Gilmour Academy, now all y’all gotta deal with some dangerous”. The video indicated that Bares was in a recreational vehicle park and campground in Rapid City, South Dakota on those dates.
Gilmour Academy parted ways with Bares in 2016, according to the criminal complaint.
On Saturday, FBI agents arrested Bares without incident. He was scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday.
The FBI said no further details could be provided at this time.
