JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Rhode Island man accused of making false bomb threats on a flight from Orlando causing it to divert to Jacksonville on Dec. 5, will remain in federal custody after waiving his right to a detention hearing Tuesday afternoon.
Evan Sims, 41, was arrested after the Breeze Airways flight, which was bound for Rhode Island, made an emergency landing at Jacksonville International Airport last week.
Sims appeared in a Duval County courtroom for a swift detention hearing Tuesday at 1 p.m. His attorney said Sims intended to waive his right to the hearing which Judge Joel Toomey confirmed with Sims.
Judge Toomey honored Sims' request to remain in federal custody until the case is resolved and set a preliminary hearing for Dec. 20 at 3:30 p.m.
RELATED: He said 'calm' they thought he said 'bomb' he got arrested, flight diverted to Jacksonville
Sims was arrested in Jacksonville on a warrant violation of an injunction his fiancé, who was on the plane with him, filed on Sims in Rhode Island. However, the reason the plane was diverted was not due to the violation, but was because other passengers on the plane allegedly heard Sims say the word "bomb" while arguing with his fiancé on the aircraft.
Sims denied saying the word "bomb" in Duval County court last week, telling a judge that he said the word "calm" during the alleged argument with his fiancé.
According to Duval County Jail records, Sims told the judge he was only charged for the injunction he violated.
However, the Department of Justice said Sims faces federal charges of false information and threats regarding the possession of an explosive on an airplane.
No bomb was located on the aircraft after a search.
If convicted on federal charges, Sims could spend up to five years in federal prison and could face a fine of up to $250,000.