Midwest mom made bomb threat against school after daughter was unable to take part in play because she’d gone home sick

A Michigan mother admitted to calling in hoax bomb threats to her daughter’s high school when they barred her from participating in the school play.

Crystal Royster, 43, pleaded guilty to one felony charge of making a false report or bomb threat on January 8.

She reportedly placed two phone calls to Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, on March 12, 2025, indicating there may be bombs on the premises.

Her daughter had gone home early from school that day due to illness, according to Law & Crime, which prevented her from participating in the play.

School policy reportedly required students to be present to participate in after-school activities.

County prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a press release that the threats sparked panic at the school and required a ‘significant emergency response.’

‘While the court determined that probation was the appropriate outcome, her actions nonetheless caused disruption and concern within the community,’ he said.

More than 700 people were forced to evacuate the Macomb County high school, located in the suburbs of Detroit. 

Crystal Royster, 43, pled guilty after calling in two bomb threats to her daughter’s school

St. Clair Shores police were called to perform a sweep of the campus. The press release said ‘no explosives were located’ on school property. 

Lake Shore High School posted a statement to students and families at the time, stating that the threats had occurred during an elementary school performance.

‘With the assistance of the Saint Clair Shores Police Department and our staff, the building was immediately evacuated and all in the building left safely from the event. ,’ they wrote.

‘While it is believed that this is a hoax intended to disrupt school functions, the building is being swept by law enforcement to verify that this is, in fact, a hoax. Rest assured that we will find out who made this phone call and those responsible will be disciplined and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. 

‘We will provide you with an update once the police have completed their process. At this time, we fully intend school business to proceed as per usual tomorrow morning.’

The mother reportedly placed two calls to Lake Shore High School (pictured) after her daughter was barred from participating in the after school play

Royster was ordered to serve two weeks in the Macomb County Jail, followed by 18 months of probation. 

She made a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty on November 13.

The judge also ordered that she have no contact with the victims and notify the school before entering school grounds. 

She will also be required to take a Class A impulse control course.

Royster received additional credit for three days already served, per Click on Detroit. 

St. Clair Shores police swept the premises of Lake Shore High and found no explosives

According to the Department of Justice, a ‘bomb hoax’ carries maximum penalties of $5,000 or up to five years in prison.

Felony offenses are issued for ‘conveying or imparting false information willfully and maliciously or with reckless disregard for the safety of human life.’

The Daily Mail contacted Lake Shore High School, St Clair Shores Police and Royster’s attorney for comment.