A former University of Kansas football player who allegedly called in a bomb threat in July referencing KU football facilities waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Monday and is seeking diversion.
Joseph Michael Krause, 22, is charged in Douglas County District Court with one felony count of aggravated criminal threat. The charges are in connection with an incident around 3 p.m. on July 24, as the Journal-World reported.
After being charged, Krause was dismissed from the team and is no longer a student at KU, according to a spokesperson with KU Athletics.
Krause appeared in court via Zoom on Monday along with his attorney, Christopher Brown. Brown said he is engaging in an Independent Assessment Conference to work with a mediator and the state to resolve Krause’s case. He said that Krause would be applying for diversion.
Diversion is a process in which a defendant’s charges can be “diverted” after a probationary period. If the defendant successfully completes the terms of the diversion agreement, the charges are dismissed with prejudice, meaning they cannot be refiled.
Judge Amy Hanley accepted Krause’s waiver and scheduled a hearing for Nov. 30 for arraignment and an update on the process. She said if Krause’s diversion application is accepted, the hearing can be canceled.
Krause is alleged to have made threats toward KU’s facilities using an anonymous text tip line that resulted in the evacuation of Anderson Family Football Complex, Beatty Family Pavilion and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. No explosive devices were found, police said at the time.
Krause’s threats included threats of self-harm and issues with Mass St. Collective, the athletic department’s partner for name, image and likeness deals. The messages allegedly mentioned two Mass St. Collective employees by name, according to a police affidavit in support of Krause’s arrest.
The final message received from Krause read, “There is a bomb at the football facilities,” according to the affidavit.
Krause is currently free on a $10,000 surety bond.
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