Dominican woman arrested at Miami Airport after alleged bomb threat

A Dominican Republic woman was arrested at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Sunday evening after allegedly making a false bomb threat, authorities said. Carmen Rosa Solislerqux, 55, was taken into custody around 7:30 p.m. after an airport employee reported the incident to law enforcement, according to an arrest report. Officials said Solislerqux, a swimming instructor from Santo Domingo, was in line at MIA when she refused to consolidate her three bags at an employee's request. She then allegedly claimed one of them contained a bomb. A detective removed Solislerqux from the line, detained her, and separated her luggage before questioning her. She later stated, "I was only joking," according to the report. K-9 units were deployed to search the area and her bags, but no explosives were found. Solislerqux was arrested on a charge of making a false report concerning the planting of a bomb, an explosive, or a weapon of mass destruction—a second-degree felony. She was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center early Monday morning.

In Florida, making a false report concerning the planting of a bomb, an explosive, or a weapon of mass destruction is a second-degree felony under Florida Statute 790.163. If found guilty, the consequences can be severe, including:

Potential penalties:

• Up to 15 years in prison

• Up to 15 years of probation

• Fines up to $10,000

Other consequences:

• A permanent felony record, which can impact employment, housing, and travel.

• Possible deportation if the person is not a U.S. citizen.

• A ban from airports or restricted travel privileges, depending on the case.

• Difficulty in obtaining visas, residency, or citizenship due to the severity of the charge.