Mom Sentenced for Calling in False Bomb Threats After Daughter Wasn't Allowed to Participate in School Play By Kimberlee Speakman

A Michigan mom is facing jail time and probation after twice calling in false bomb threats to her daughter’s school in Detroit.

On Thursday, Jan. 15, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office announced in a release that 42-year-old Crystal Royster had been sentenced by Judge Michael E. Servitto.

She will serve probation for 18-months, with the first 14 days spent in the Macomb County Jail, according to the release. She has credit for 3 days served at the jail.

As part of her probation, Royster is not allowed to contact the victims of the incident and “must notify the school” before heading onto its grounds. She also has to take a “Class A impulse control class.” 

Royster was charged after she made two false bomb reports to Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Mich. in March 2025 after her daughter wasn’t allowed to participate in a school play, the prosecutor’s office said. 

Authorities noted that her daughter “could not participate” due to school policy after “being sick and going home earlier that day.”

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After Royster called in the bomb threat, over “700 people” had to be evacuated from the school building and St. Clair Shores Police and other jurisdictions responded to the scene,” the release stated.

“The defendant was sentenced today for making a false bomb report that resulted in a significant emergency response,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

“While the court determined that probation was the appropriate outcome, her actions nonetheless caused disruption and concern within the community,” he added.

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Royster was charged with false report or threat of a bomb, which is a 4-year felony, and pleaded guilty in November 2025, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office said.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a person who is found guilty of making false statements of threats “willfully and maliciously or with reckless disregard for the safety of human life” could face maximum penalties of $5,000 or five years imprisonment.

While the charge is uncommon, it has happened before. In 2024, a third grader faced criminal charges after allegedly claiming bombs had been planted inside Lorain’s Clearview High School and Durling Middle School in Ohio, which prompted closures at the schools.

The middle school student was charged with inducing panic in connection with the social media posts, per local outlet WOIO.