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Former corrections officer in pre-trial diversion program

By Staff

A former corrections officer entered into a pre-trial diversion program earlier this year after he allegedly made a false bomb threat to a company.

Shawn Michael Burdolski, 33, of Cape Coral, agreed to take part in the pre-trial program in March after being charged with one count of threat to bomb, false report bomb explosive weapon mass destruction.

Burdolski was once employed by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, Burdolski left two messages for a company that had repossessed and towed his truck. He said there were “dangers” inside of the vehicle, and it might just “blow up.” When the owner of the company was unable to reach Burdolski, the owner contacted police.

Authorities eventually got in contact with Burdolski, who told them there were no explosives in the vehicle, only a tank of compressed air for a train horn. He agreed to come down to the scene and open the truck for police.

During questioning, Burdolski allegedly stated that he had wanted to scare the tow company into calling him back quickly because he had wanted to get his belongings out of the truck before someone stole them.

Under the pre-trial program, Burdolski has a list of conditions that he must follow until September 2012. If he completes it, he avoids going to trial.

“If he didn’t successfully complete this, he can go back into court for criminal prosecution outside of the pre-trial diversion,” Samantha Syoen, spokeswoman for the State Attorney’s Office, said Tuesday.

Some of the terms include reporting to a pre-trial diversion officer each month, paying $50 monthly plus a 4 percent surcharge for supervision, and submitting to and paying for all urine and breath tests deemed necessary.

Burdolski cannot change his residence or employment, nor can he leave the county without consent from his officer. He cannot possess, carry or own a firearm unless authorized, and Burdolski cannot violate the law, Syoen said.

He was also given 20 hours of community service to complete.

Assistant State Attorney Leah Harwood handled the case.

Defense attorney John Musca represented Burdolski.