The CNBC news crew that allegedly attempted to smuggle a fake bomb through security at Newark Liberty International Airport last week could go to prison for the misguided stunt, a top New Jersey criminal defense attorney says.
"Keep in mind, the prosecutor's office could have decided not to file charges," the lawyer, Remi Spencer, told NJ Advance Media.
"They chose to take the case, so they must believe they have evidence to support these charges … [The crew was] purposefully trying to incite widespread fear and hysteria and hoping to capture that on camera, assuming the state's allegations are true."
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has charged nine members of the TV crew with second-degree counts of conspiracy, creating a false public alarm and interfering with transportation — punishable by up to five years behind bars.
The Transportation Security Administration alleges that some of the crew "attempted to intentionally carry through the security checkpoint an item in a carry-on bag that had all of the makings of an improvised explosive device. At the same time, others in the group covertly filmed the encounter."
The fake device allegedly included a motor, wires and PVC pipes.
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