(CASSOPOLIS) – Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with a bomb threat at the Cass County Courthouse.

On June 21 at 8:44 AM, Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call saying there was a bomb at the Courthouse. Sheriff Richard Behnke says his department responded to the Courthouse and evacuated the buildings. They then searched the building and grounds with the help of a bomb sniffing dog from the Berrien County Sheriff's Department.

No device was found and employees were allowed to return to work at 12:15 PM.

Behnke says his department along with the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team began an investigation of the call and after executing several search warrants, developed a suspect.

On July 12, officers arrested Patrick McMeeken on felony counts of false report or threat of terrorism; using a computer to commit a crime and conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice. He was also charged with a fourth offense of being a habitual offender.

McMeeken was arraigned in Cass County District Court. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.