Charlotte Man to Stand Trial for Bomb Threat at Michigan Capitol

LANSING - A man accused of making calls threatening to kill a state representative and issuing a bomb threat at the Michigan Capitol will go to trial. 

In January, Michael Varrone, 49, of Charlotte, was charged in Lansing's 54-A District Court on the following:  

• two counts of false report or threat of terrorism, a 20-year felony; and  
• one count of false report or threat of bomb/harmful device, a four-year felony.  

Following a preliminary hearing Thursday, District Court Judge Kristen Simmons bound the case over to circuit court for trial. 

"My office will not tolerate threats to our democracy or to elected officials," Nessel said. "Mr. Varrone being bound over to stand trial on these charges affirms that commitment. 

On Dec. 12, Varrone allegedly called the Michigan House of Representatives six times and on at least one occasion threatened the life of Rep. Cynthia Johnson and her family members, according to the complaint.   

Then on Jan. 7, Varrone allegedly telephoned a control operator at the Capitol complex and said everyone needed to evacuate because the Capitol was going to explode. The employee immediately reported the bomb threat to MSP state properties security officers stationed at the Capitol. Authorities performed a sweep of the premises and determined there was no real threat. 

Next court dates have not yet been set. Varrone remains out on bond.

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Please note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.