Man behind Facebook threat against elementary school pleads guilty to federal charges

The Las Cruces man accused of threatening to shoot students at Conlee Elementary pled guilty to federal charges in court Monday.

Michael Anthony Estrada, 24, of Las Cruces, N.M., pled guilty to using interstate communications to threaten the lives and safety of children.

Police arrested Estrada Sept. 15, 2017 after he allegedly posted the threats on a Las Cruces community watch Facebook page.

The threats posted by Estrada led authorities in Las Cruces to shelter students in place and shut down operations until Estrada was arrested.

Estrada faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.