Man charged over utility bomb threat

A Holly Springs man faces a felony charge after authorities said he threatened to blow up the Holly Springs Utility Department main office during a weekend power outage.

William Robert Pruitt, 61, was arrested on a charge of false reporting of explosives, according to records filed in Marshall County Justice Court.

Investigators said the incident unfolded around 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, when Pruitt allegedly called the utility department’s after-hours call center to report an electrical outage at his Whites Crossing Road residence. During the call, Pruitt allegedly told a representative that his power had better be restored that evening or he would go and blow up the utility department’s Highway 4 headquarters.

Investigator Charles Powell filed a sworn affidavit Monday, Aug. 24, leading to a warrant under Mississippi Code Section 97-37-21, which classifies false reports of explosives as a felony.

Deputies with the Marshall County Sheriff ‘s Office booked Pruitt into the Marshall County Jail at 3:08 p.m. Monday.

Pruitt made an initial appearance before a Justice Court judge Tuesday, Aug. 25, and was released after posting a $2,500 bond.