James B. Brigham. Photo submitted by Mattoon Police Department. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For Immediate Release
Mattoon Police Department
Mattoon police arrested James B. Brigham, age 49 of Mattoon, on Friday December 28th at 10:00 a.m. The arrest occurred in rural Charleston. Brigham was charged with Disorderly Conduct. The charge alleges that on Friday Dec. 21st at approx. 6:53 p.m. , Brigham called the Mattoon Wal-Mart via cell phone and conveyed a threat to a Wal-Mart employee that there was a bomb within the building. Brigham’s estranged wife was shopping within the store at the time of the call. The threat forced the evacuation and temporary closure of Wal-Mart.
Brigham was arrested, but transported and released to SBLHC due to a self-inflicted injury immediately prior to his arrest. SBLHC admitted Brigham, and he was to be transferred on to another hospital due to reportedly consuming anti-freeze while police were en route to arrest him.
The charge of Disorderly Conduct involving a bomb threat is a Class 3 Felony punishable by 2-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.00.
All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
