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Man Charged In Watauga Mosque Threat Later Apologized

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WATAUGA (AP) - Police said that a man accused of calling a mosque in Watauga, threatening to decapitate Muslims, later called back to apologize.

Sgt. Jason Babcock with the Watauga Police Department said Wednesday that James Nicholas Smithey was arrested August 19 on a misdemeanor harassment/threat charge and released on $500 bond.

The Masjid Al-Sahaabah mosque received the threatening message July 30. The caller identified himself as an Army veteran who will not allow Sharia law to be imposed in the United States. The man said that he and other veterans are "armed to the teeth."

Babcock said that police tracked Smithey down from his phone number, and that they believe he called back to apologize.

Smithey's phone number is not publicly listed and the Associated Press could not immediately reach him for comment.

If convicted, the 36-year-old Watauga man faces up to six months in jail.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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