Arrest Made In Boston's Hoax Device Incident ("Devices" Were Part Of A Marketing Campaign)

So with all this hysteria, is there an actual law against stupid marketing ideas in Mass or Boston? Or, is doing something that the authorities over-react to a criminal offense all by itself?

Well, the men were arrested under this law. As other FReepers have said, it's unclear that they had the necessary intent:

Chapter 266: Section 102A1/2. Possession, transportation, use or placement of hoax devices; penalty; law enforcement or public safety officer exemption

Section 102A1/2. (a) Whoever possesses, transports, uses or places or causes another to knowingly or unknowingly possess, transport, use or place any hoax device or hoax substance with the intent to cause anxiety, unrest, fear or personal discomfort to any person or group of persons shall be punished by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than two and one-half years or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or by a fine of not more than $5,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “hoax device” shall mean any device that would cause a person reasonably to believe that such device is an infernal machine. For the purposes of this section, the term “infernal machine” shall mean any device for endangering life or doing unusual damage to property, or both, by fire or explosion, whether or not contrived to ignite or explode automatically. For the purposes of this section, the words “hoax substance” shall mean any substance that would cause a person reasonably to believe that such substance is a harmful chemical or biological agent, a poison, a harmful radioactive substance or any other substance for causing serious bodily injury, endangering life or doing unusual damage to property, or both.

See post 46. Placing a bill, advertisement or device on a lamp post or bridge IS a crime in Massachusetts, although not a very big one. Defacing property is also a crime - if placing a magnet on property can be considered defacing, the duo can go to jail and lose their drivers license for a year.

If the hoax charges against the men can stick, I could see the marketing company or their officials being charged, since it is also a crime to cause another person to knowingly "possess, transport, use or place any hoax device". The marketing company paid the duo to place the devices and even told them where to put the devices.

Well you have all the answers . Why didn't they get out the bomb dogs? As for me being stupid...I could care less what you think. I have been insulted by wittier and smarter people then you KEVLAR. ........ All these people had to do was tell someone that it was a media stunt. Plain and simple.

Great, lets start by checking the millions of people who cross our borders unchecked.

I quite agree. Thats the smartest thing you have said. Have a wonderful day ... KEVLAR, read the tagline, it was meant for people like you ~~Pandora~~

From the Boston Globe:

Judge Paul K. Leary seemed skeptical of the state's case, telling [Assistant Attorney General] Grossman that the law requires that people must intend to create a panic to be charged with placing hoax devices. This case, the judge said, seemed to involve two men who relatives say were paid to place unorthodox advertisements throughout the city.

The question of intent was a legal issue for another hearing, Grossman said. The two men were ordered held on $2,500 cash bail, which they posted early this afternoon.

"I have been insulted by wittier and smarter people then you KEVLAR."

I'm certain you are insulted all the time, although I suspect you rarely catch on.

What you can guess from my two posts is truly awesomne.

"All these people had to do was tell someone that it was a media stunt. Plain and simple."

Some have stated they did.

"read the tagline, it was meant for people like you"

People like you are the reason I rarely post here.

People like you are the reason I rarely post here.

Fine by me. Usually when people have no rational point left to make they resort to calling other people stupid as you called me. As you said to me.... if stupid hurts then I guess you would know. Nowhere was I insulting to you. I said if you could spot a bomb that I was in awe......Bombs come in many sizes and shapes. You are intelligent and you made valid points. Why weren't the dogs brought out? I don't know. Was this a silly media stunt ..yes it was. However from the last I heard on the news there was no mention of anyone being informed about this advertising. Now I don't trust the news media too much and I don't trust politicians either. So who knows. I do feel bad that taxpayer's money has to used to pay for this. If it can be proved that Turner didn't get a permit for their signs I still feel they ought to pay some of the costs if not all. They got great media coverage, which is what they wanted. The people of Boston got to see how their officials would act if they were bombs. I do wonder how you would have felt if you were stuck in traffic or missed a plane flight over this. I am not in Boston either. Have a very nice weekend ~~Pandora~~

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