IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Kyle Holmberg, age 30, appeared in court today at the Dickinson County Courthouse for a felony charge of false report or terrorism for threats made to either Woodland Elementary or North Elementary Schools. The threat was intended for the schools’ spirit week, according to local police departments. The charge carries with it a prison sentence of not more than 20 years, a fine of not more than $20,000, or both.
His previous September 25th court hearing revealed that multiple guns, including an AR-style weapon, and ammunition, were removed from his residence on Sunday the 24th.
Holmberg’s bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety at 10%. WZMQ reached out to the Dickinson County Jail, who informed that Holmberg is no longer being housed in the correctional facility.
In a tense courtroom scene today, Kyle Holmberg appeared before Judge Julie Lacost. Accompanied by his counsel, Abbey Anderson, his defense team requested a postponement of the preliminary examination, which Holmberg agreed to, waiving his right to a preliminary hearing within a 21-day period.
During the hearing, amendments were made to Holmberg’s bond conditions, with particular focus on his internet access for communication devices.
Judge LaCost asked Holmberg’s counsel, “Is there anything that we need to address on bond, Miss Anderson?”
Holmberg’s defense responded, “Mr. Holmberg has acquired a phone without a data plan. It is not a smartphone, but every cell phone that is available is capable of having the internet. He does not have a data plan on it. He will not get a data plan on it. But he does need to have a means of communication, so that I can keep in contact with him. So I would ask that he be allowed to have that phone that he has, with no data plan.”
The terminology, which originally stated “NO COMPUTER OR INTERNET ACCESS,” and “NO SMARTPHONES OR DEVICES CAPABLE OF INTERNET ACCESS IN YOUR POSSESSION” was amended to eliminate the word “CAPABLE,” and replaced with “NO SMARTPHONES OR DEVICES THAT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET IN YOUR POSSESSION”.
Holmberg’s counsel sought a further clarification to the condition during attorney/client meetings, and an exception was added stating, “HE MAY ACCESS THE INTERNET ONLY IN THE COMPANY OF HIS LEGAL COUNSEL”.
Judge Lacost emphasized his forbiddance from having any contact with a person from his place of employment.
Judge Lacost addressed Holmberg, saying, “Do not assault, harass, intimidate people, wound, or threaten the following persons. Joseph Hinds. Ok, we talked about that. No direct contact at your place of employment. Has that been working out alright then?” Holmberg responded, “Yes, Your Honor. Are you still at that place of employment?” To which Holmberg’s counsel replied, “Your Honor, it’s being arranged he will not have contact.”
Judge LaCost further clarified that, under the terms of his bond, Holmberg is ordered not to possess or purchase firearms or other dangerous weapons, not to assault, harass or intimidate people. Holmberg is explicitly prohibited not to have any contact with the person named Joseph Hinds from his place of employment. Judge LaCost clarified that Holmberg is not to have any contact with Joseph Hinds by any means.
Holmberg’s restrictions also include a prohibition from having any contact with any person under the age of 18, including family members that are minors. He is now scheduled to appear in court again next month, marking a crucial juncture in this troubling case.
Holmberg is prohibited from entering any public or private sporting events. This includes any extracurricular activities at all schools and all colleges, community colleges or trade schools. Judge LaCost reiterated that Holmberg is not to have any contact with any person under the age of 18. Holmberg is prohibited from any computer or internet access. He is subject to searches of his person, property, and electronic devices, including providing passwords or passcodes without a warrant.
Judge LaCost also reviewed Holmberg’s waiver of extradition.
“Back on September 25th you told me what it means to sign a waiver, is there any need that we have to address him signing a waiver of extradition?”
“No, thank you, your honor,” Anderson responded.
Holmberg is prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol or any non-prescribed controlled substances. Holmberg must submit to random portable breath tests and drug screens. Holmberg is not allowed to enter into businesses that sell alcohol for use inside, such as a bar. Holmberg is prohibited from using recreational marijuana or possessing recreational marijuana.
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 9th at 1:30 CST.
