Iowans in Pokemon case denied bail

Michaela Ramm

Two Iowa men arrested for making violent threats online against the Pokemon World Championships in Boston were denied bail Tuesday.

Kevin Norton, 18, of Ames and James Stumbo, 27, of Boone were arrested Aug. 20 after convention security reported social media threats to authorities. 

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said authorities discovered a Facebook conversation involving the pair that referenced “Columbine pt. 2” and “Boston bombing.”

A photo of Norton’s car with weapons displayed in the trunk was posted on Facebook with a caption that stated, “Kevin and I are ready for worlds Boston here we come!!!”

Boston police obtained a search warrant for their car, where they found a 12-gauge shotgun, an AR-15 rifle and nearly 300 rounds of ammunition.

A judge rejected arguments that the social media threats were merely online bravado and Norton and Stumbo have been ordered to be held for at least four months as they await trial.