Iowans held without bail in Pokemon convention guns case

BOSTON - Two Iowans accused of several gun-related charges after trying to enter a Pokemon World Championship will remain held without bond until at least next week.

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, 18-year-old Kevin Norton, of Ames, and 27-year-old James Stumbo, of Boone, were arraigned in Boston Monday on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful possession of a large capacity rifle. They were held without bail pending a dangerous hearing, which allows a judge to hold suspects charged of certain crimes while evidence is collected related to any potential threats the defendants might pose. The hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1.

Norton and Stumbo came to the attention of the Boston Police Department after authorities were notified of messages posted to social media that included allusions to weapons and threats against people attending the Pokemon World Championship at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Authorities discovered Facebook chat room conversations that included references to a 'Boston bombing,” 'another Boston massacre” and the Columbine High School shooting, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Stumbo allegedly made references to his rifle in the chat.

'MY AR-15 says you lose,” he is accused of saying.

He also allegedly posted, 'Kevin Norton and I are ready for worlds Boston here we come!!!” as a caption below a picture of Norton's car with the AR-15 and a shotgun.

Norton was kicked out of a chat room for bullying another individual and allegedly posted, 'Oh, ok, that's fine then I will just shoot him on Friday thanks.”

Authorities said on Friday Stumbo tried to enter the Hynes Convention Center, but was stopped by security. Police gave him a trespass order and he was removed from the building. As he was being removed, officers encountered Norton, who was also given a trespass warning. Norton allegedly made comments referring to driving to Boston from Iowa with a shotgun and a rifle, according to the District Attorney's Office.

After releasing Stumbo and Norton, Boston police obtained a search warrant for Norton's 2002 Chevy Prizm. Officers found a 12-gauge Remington shotgun, an AR-15 rifle, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and a hunting knife. The two men were arrested at the Saugus Motel as 11:20 a.m. Saturday.

While they have not been charged in connection to the threats made online, authorities said the investigation is ongoing.