Rapides Parish Man Arrested For Coronavirus Post On Social Media
The Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office has announced the arrest of a Forest Hill man over a fake coronavirus post he made on social media, according to KALB.
Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton says his deputies arrested 27-year-old Waylon Allen Bailey on Friday, and have charged him with one count of Terrorizing. If convicted, Bailey faces up to $15,000 in fines, and up to 15 years in prison.
According to the Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office, Bailey posted the follwoing message on his social media:
"SHARE SHARE SHARE ! ! ! ! JUST IN: RAPIDES PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE HAVE ISSUED THE ORDER, IF DEPUTIES COME INTO CONTACT WITH 'THE INFECTED’ SHOOT ON SIGHT….Lord have mercy on us all. #Covid9teen #weneedyoubradpit"
Though it was not made clear what social platform was being used, those with knowledge of the original post have indicated it was on Facebook.
Authorities are taking this time to remind everyone that what you post on social media is subject to Louisiana, and Federal, law. Communicating false information, especially about a global pandemic, in a time of uncertainty, will not be tolerated. Rapides Sheriff Hilton added:
"We are all in this together"
Hilton went on to indicate that any social media post with false information, designed to alarm or cause other serious disruptions to the general public, will be dealt with.