Federal prosecutors have formally indicted a 20-year-old Chicago man in connection with a hoax bomb threat targeting a Disney Cruise Line ship. Prosecutors filed the case in the Orlando division of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Authorities state the suspect transmitted the threat across state lines after getting angry over spam calls.
Daquan Lamont Smith faces one federal count of interstate transmission of a threat following a detailed and comprehensive FBI investigation. The indictment alleges that Smith made a recorded call on December 6, 2025. The call targeted a cruise vessel carrying passengers returning from the Bahamas. During the call, the caller claimed there was a bomb on board and threatened to detonate it.
Federal Charges and Investigation Details
If convicted on the federal charge, Smith faces a maximum penalty of five years behind bars in federal prison. Federal investigators traced the origin of the communication to Chicago, Illinois. Law enforcement agencies take all threats against maritime vessels with extreme seriousness. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office initially investigated the incident before handing the case over to the FBI.
Defense Strategy and Court Proceedings
Defense attorneys representing Smith have raised legal challenges regarding federal venue and jurisdiction. Counsel argues that the case does not properly belong in Florida because Smith made the phone call from Illinois. The defense also seeks to suppress a prior interview conducted by federal agents.
Authorities arrested Smith in Illinois in July, and he later posted bond after pleading not guilty at his arraignment. Legal proceedings continue in federal court, with his next hearing scheduled for October 13.
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