Man Pleads Guilty to Eau Claire School Threats
A 23-year-old man receives two years of probation after leaving a threatening voicemail for a local school.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Terrorism
Damien Haupt pleaded guilty to making terrorist threats against the Children's House Montessori School in Eau Claire. The court sentenced him to two years of probation following the incident.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences of threats against educational institutions. Haupt targeted the school while irritated by the noise of students playing outside while he attempted to sleep after a long shift.
The 23-year-old defendant was sentenced to two years of probation, while separate charges of telephone harassment and disorderly conduct were dismissed. The court explicitly denied a request to expunge the resulting criminal record.
The players
Damien Haupt
He is the 23-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to making terrorist threats against an Eau Claire school.
Children's House Montessori School
This is the educational institution in Eau Claire that was targeted by the threatening voicemail.
The details
After Haupt left a threatening voicemail on the school's phone, staff brought students inside and notified the police. Haupt claimed he had been awake for 16 hours following a 12-hour work shift at the time of the offense.
Timeline
Damien Haupt was officially charged in November 2025.
The sentencing and plea occurred in October 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows standard judicial protocols for Class I felony charges in Wisconsin, which carry a maximum prison sentence of 18 months. The court utilized its discretion to impose probation instead of incarceration while maintaining the criminal record.
The school took immediate precautionary measures by bringing students inside and contacting local authorities upon receiving the threat. Residents and local businesses can monitor future court filings regarding the defendant's compliance with his probation terms.
The takeaway
Public schools maintain strict safety protocols to protect students from credible threats, regardless of the motive behind them. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or threatening communications to law enforcement immediately.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings regarding threats in the area, visit Terrorism.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Leader-Telegram.
