ZestSync

CEDAR CITY, Utah — An arrest warrant has been issued for a staff member at Southern Utah University who police say sent emails to department heads threatening violence unless he received money and the school paid for his doctorate degree.

Police say the man also made threats to “push back like Rambo.”

Steven Charles Baggs, 46, was charged Thursday in 5th District Court with making a threat of terrorism, a second-degree felony.

Charging documents describe Baggs as an “emergency hire at SUU.” He is listed on its website as a lecturer in the art department.

On Dec. 10, Baggs sent an email to human resources “requesting his life insurance payout information,” the charges state. He also sent emails to the chairman of the Art and Design Department “detailing some concerns and requests for help.”

The next day, Baggs sent an email to the dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts to levy complaints about the chairman of the Art and Design Department, the charges state, Baggs also cited stress from his new job at the university as the reason for his recent arrest on domestic violence charges.

“Mr. Baggs asserted that he was innocent and blamed his arrest on an incarceration for profit criminal justice system,” according to the charges.

Baggs then threatened to commit suicide in the chairman’s office or in front of students, the charges state. “Mr. Baggs ends simply by saying: ‘Please get me some help.'”

On Dec. 12, Baggs called the HR department and again made threats.

“He also stated he had two magazines for his gun and that he could kill 30 students and the story here would be bigger than the student deaths in Idaho. He then stated that he would not kill the students because they were innocent and that he loved them. Mr. Baggs then likened himself to the Egyptian goddess of truth, Ma’at, and made reference to several biblical passages and again referred to his own suicide,” the charges state.

“Also during that phone call, Mr. Baggs likened himself to Rambo and that the police had pushed him and now he will push back like Rambo. At this point, Mr. Baggs demanded they put him on tenure-track, pay for his doctorate degree, and fire” the chairman, according to the charges.

On Tuesday, Baggs was charged with criminal mischief, assault on a police officer, making threats to influence an official, making a threat of violence and several counts of violating a protective order. In that case, charging documents state that Baggs made several threats to Cedar City police because he was upset about his domestic violence arrest.

Baggs claimed “that he was going to burn Cedar City to the ground” and sent an email to police stating, “Cedar City Just started a war with me. Haha you’ve see the first Rambo? Better hope I never come back,” the charges state.

Police say Baggs also made death threats against his estranged wife.

Investigators believe Baggs fled to Oregon, and later they received information that he was in Hawaii on Dec. 24 and trying to go to Japan, the charges state.

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-33888)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Other community-based resources

Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.

ncG1vNJzZmijo6HBt3rCqKRobWFrfnJ%2FjqysrmWcmrC1wdGeqWabmJa%2FqLHDZq6irJhiuqK3yKeeZqyVp7%2Bwvsisq6KbXam1s7HArapmmZeWtq%2B%2F02aqnKCfpLlw