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Skokie man charged with making false bomb threats against library, fast-food restaurant in Chicago suburb

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EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) – A man was charged with making four bomb threats against a library and a fast-food restaurant in Evanston, according to police.

Jacob Spiro, 23, of Skokie, was charged with four counts of felony disorderly conduct of making false bomb threats.

Police said Spiro made two false threats by email to the Evanston Public Library, located at 1703 Orrington Ave, on Sept. 12 and 14. Authorities arrived and evacuated the library both times. No explosive devices were found, and no injuries were reported

Two more threats were made towards a McDonald's restaurant, located in the 1900 block of Dempster Street, by a 911 call on Oct. 2 and 3. Officers responded and found no explosive devices and the restaurant remained open.

An investigation later identified the offender as Spiro who turned himself in on Nov. 17 and was placed into custody.

Spiro was released from custody last Monday. He previously was charged with making dozens of other bomb threats to public libraries, schools, government offices, and police departments over the past several months.

According to Cook County Circuit Court records, Spiro is facing multiple felony counts of disorderly conduct and falsely making a terrorist threat.

Suburban police said Spiro made 12 bogus bomb and violence threats in Morton Grove in September and October, 16 bomb and violence threats in Skokie in September and October, five bomb threats at a Mariano's store in Des Plaines between August and October, 11 bomb and violence threats in Niles within the past month, five bomb and violence threats in Glenview between March and October. He is also facing charges for bomb threats in Northbrook and Wilmette.

He appeared in court Monday at the Skokie Courthouse for a status hearing, and is due back in court again on Dec. 18.

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