A 19-year-old Michigan man will spend eight months in federal prison after admitting to making a false bomb threat against a cruise ship that was carrying his girlfriend and her family.
Joshua Lowe appeared in federal court in Kalamazoo, where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to the hoax threat. Prosecutors said Lowe sent an anonymous email in January 2024 to Carnival Cruise Lines, claiming someone might have planted a bomb aboard the Carnival Sunrise, which had recently departed Miami en route to Jamaica.
More than 1,000 cabins were searched as part of an extensive security sweep. The U.S. Coast Guard and Jamaican Marine Police were also involved, delaying the cruise and diverting international resources to respond to the false alarm.
Investigators quickly traced the email to Lowe, who was staying at his girlfriend’s home while she and her family were enjoying the Caribbean vacation. According to court documents, Lowe admitted he was frustrated about being left behind to take care of the family’s pets while they went on the cruise.
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler said Lowe confessed to sending the message out of spite and acknowledged the seriousness of his actions. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney, Lowe took responsibility and apologized for the disruption he caused.
“This is entirely my fault, and I take full responsibility,” Lowe wrote.
While Lowe could have faced up to five years in prison, Judge Maloney imposed a shorter sentence, citing his youth and lack of prior offenses.
Federal authorities emphasized the importance of taking threats seriously. FBI Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson condemned the incident, saying, “False bomb threats are dangerous and irresponsible. They waste valuable resources and cause unnecessary fear. The FBI will hold accountable anyone who engages in this type of criminal behavior.”
