San Diego, November 21, 2025
Lee Lor, a 40-year-old man from San Diego, has been sentenced to two years in state prison for sending threatening emails regarding a mass shooting at Shoal Creek Elementary School. This case highlights the serious impact on school safety and community fear. With heightened security measures now in place, the incident underscores the importance of addressing threats against educational institutions. Lor’s conviction comes at a time when California lawmakers are tightening laws related to threats against schools through new legislation.
San Diego Man Sentenced for Threatening Shoal Creek Elementary School
San Diego, CA – Lee Lor, 40, has been sentenced to two years in state prison after being convicted of sending an email threatening a mass shooting at Shoal Creek Elementary School in Carmel Mountain Ranch. Lor has already served sufficient time in custody to be eligible for parole.
Details of the Threat
In December 2023, Lor sent an email stating he was “going to commit mass shootings” at the school and included its address. This was one of over 400 similar emails he sent over several months, expressing intentions to harm the school. The emails were sent as replies to random spam messages, not directly to the school. One such email was received by a woman in Beverly Hills, who alerted authorities.
Impact on the School Community
The threats led to heightened security measures at Shoal Creek Elementary. Principal Harmeena Omoto testified that the threats caused lasting fear among staff, students, parents, and the community. She now remains vigilant during school events, personally checking attendees for any connection to the school.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Lor was found guilty of a single felony count of making criminal threats. During sentencing, Judge Theodore Weathers emphasized the severity of Lor’s actions, stating that the threats instilled lasting fear in the school community. Lor’s defense attorney argued for a reduced sentence, citing Lor’s military service and personal losses, but the judge imposed the maximum term of two years in state prison.
Legislative Context
This case highlights challenges in prosecuting threats against institutions rather than individuals. In response, California lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 19, known as The Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, which criminalizes threats made against institutions like schools, workplaces, medical facilities, or houses of worship, even when not targeting a specific person. The bill was signed into law last month.
Background on the Defendant
Lor, a resident of Carmel Mountain Ranch, had been sending threatening emails for several months before his arrest. He was previously arrested in June 2023 for similar threats related to his workplace. After his December 2023 arrest, authorities found a loaded firearm and a map of Shoal Creek Elementary in his residence, further substantiating the threats.
Community Response
The case has prompted discussions about the safety of educational institutions and the importance of swift legal action in response to threats. Community members have expressed relief over the conviction and sentencing, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support for school safety measures.
Related Incidents
This incident is part of a broader concern regarding threats to educational institutions. In February 2024, an Oklahoma man pleaded guilty to federal charges for telephoning bomb threats to five Los Angeles schools, including two elementary schools. Such cases underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of students and staff across the nation.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Lee Lor serves as a reminder of the critical importance of addressing threats to educational institutions promptly and effectively. It also highlights the need for legislative measures to close legal loopholes and enhance protections for schools and their communities.
FAQ
What was Lee Lor convicted of?
Lee Lor was convicted of a single felony count of making criminal threats for sending an email threatening a mass shooting at Shoal Creek Elementary School in December 2023.
What impact did the threats have on Shoal Creek Elementary School?
The threats led to heightened security measures at the school and instilled lasting fear among staff, students, parents, and the community.
What is The Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act?
The Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, signed into law last month, criminalizes threats made against institutions such as schools, workplaces, medical facilities, or houses of worship, even when the threat does not specifically target a person.
What was found in Lee Lor’s residence after his arrest?
After his arrest, authorities found a loaded firearm and a map of Shoal Creek Elementary in Lee Lor’s residence, further substantiating the threats.
What other similar incidents have occurred recently?
In February 2024, an Oklahoma man pleaded guilty to federal charges for telephoning bomb threats to five Los Angeles schools, including two elementary schools.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Lee Lor, 40 |
| Conviction | Single felony count of making criminal threats |
| Threat Details | Email stating intent to commit mass shootings at Shoal Creek Elementary School in December 2023 |
| Sentence | Two years in state prison; eligible for parole |
| Legislative Context | Introduction of The Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act to criminalize threats against institutions |
| Community Impact | Heightened security measures and lasting fear among school community members |
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