DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Addison Director of Police Timothy Hayden announced today that an eighteen-year-old male Addison Trail High School student has been charged with posting a threatening message on Instagram directed at school personnel. Michael Gamboa, age 18, of the 2N100 block of Vista Avenue, Lombard, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Demetrios Panoushis set bond at $5,000 with 10% to apply. He has been charged with one count of False Report of a Threat to a School Building or Person, a Class 4 Felony. Additionally, Michael Gamboa’s Father, Jesus, 54 (d.o.b. 12/27/1967) of the same address, has been charged with one count of Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, a Class 4 Felony. The senior Gamboa appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge John Kinsella set a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.
On May 19, 2022, a photo was discovered on Instagram by students at Addison Trail High School depicting a male holding a black gun with a threatening caption. A student immediately reported the post to a teacher who notified the school principal at which time the principal issued a lockdown at the school. Following an investigation into the post conducted by the Addison Police Department, it is alleged that Michael Gamboa, a senior at Addison Trail High School, is the owner of the Instagram account. It is alleged that while neither Gamboa nor any other student at Addison Trail High School is the individual in the photo, Gamboa posted the photo earlier that day. While executing a search warrant at Gamboa’s home, authorities found a 9mm pistol in the parents’ bedroom. It is alleged that the weapon belonged to Michael Gamboa’s father, Jesus, who is a convicted felon and as such, is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.
“First and foremost, I thank the students who brought this matter to the attention of school authorities. As I have said in the past, but it bears repeating, any threat to the well-being of our students, teachers and school personnel will be taken very seriously. School threats are no joking matter and can cause fear and anxiety not just for students, teachers and staff, but also for parents, siblings and the entire community. Anyone suspected of making a threat will be fully investigated and appropriately charged. I thank authorities at Addison Trail High School for their cooperation in this matter as well as the Addison Police Department. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys, Kelly McKay, Kelsey Kerr and Anthony Pasquini for their efforts.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin
“Whether it was done as a joke or with malicious intent, school threats of violence are unacceptable. It is incredibly destructive to the school environment, and we will aggressively hold those accountable for their actions.”
— Addison Director of Police Timothy Hayden
Michael Gamboa’s next court hearing is scheduled for June 13, 2022, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh. Jesus Gamboa’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 24, 2022, for arraignment in front of Judge Kinsella.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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