Local man arrested for arson and bomb threats

Press Release

Submitted by James T. Hurley

Fernandina Beach Police DepartmentFERNANDINA BEACH

www.fbpd.us

February 3, 2016 2:38 p.m.

David Anthony Moody D O B 05/08/1988

The Fernandina Beach Police Department arrested an individual yesterday afternoon and charged him with arson and six counts of making a false report of planting a bomb. David Anthony Moody, 27 years of age, gave detectives a full confession, claiming that he acted alone, while deliberately forcing law enforcement to chase leads all weekend.

Since late last Friday afternoon the Fernandina Beach Police Department, with assistance from State and Federal authorities, have been investigating a series of bomb threats that were reported at two local businesses, as well as the Downtown Comfort Station.

Similar notes were also left at the Comfort Station on Saturday and again on Monday. In addition, a small trash fire was started inside the Comfort Station in conjunction with the note left on Monday. The notes contained various non-specific threats to detonate explosives. Comprehensive precautions were taken in addressing the threats without causing disruption or unnecessary attention to the search for the offender.

On Tuesday afternoon another note was left at a Downtown business. Based on working leads that had been developed throughout the weekend, detectives began to focus on a subject that was working in the downtown area. David Moody was arrested and physical evidence was recovered to substantiate and support his involvement. Additional investigation determined that the subject did not have direct access to explosives.

Several persons were interviewed during this investigation and the police department wishes to express gratitude for the extremely helpful and cooperative nature of our residents and visitors.