Belmont County bomb threat suspect's case moved to Common Pleas Court

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – The 18-year-old accused of calling in bomb threats to several Belmont County businesses will see his case moved to Belmont County Common Pleas court following his indictment by a grand jury.

Larry Allen Harvey was set to have a preliminary hearing on Thursday morning and be arraigned in Belmont County Eastern Division Court before Judge David Trouten. But prior to the hearing, Belmont County Eastern Division Prosecutor Joshua Norman informed Trouten that Harvey had been indicted.

“He should have been served with that warrant by now or it will be later today,” Norman said.

Trouten asked Norman if a bond had been set through Belmont County Common Pleas Court.

Norman replied that a bond has not been set yet.

Trouten previously set Harvey’s bond at $1 million.

“At this time we will dismiss ours without prejudice because he has been indicted and is being held by Common Pleas Court,” Trouten said.

Harvey was charged with five counts of making terroristic threats and eight counts of inducing panic after allegedly threatening to detonate bombs at Walmart, Sheetz, Kroger, Whiteside Auto, Unified Bank, Texas Roadhouse, Denny’s and Red Roof Inn in St. Clairsville.

During the calls, Harvey allegedly demanded money and threatened to blow up the businesses if he did not get the cash. When arrested, he allegedly told investigating officers that he made the calls to see what would happen.

The Belmont County Prosecutor’s Office said that Harvey’s arraignment in Common Pleas Court is not set but is expected to be next week.