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A false “tip” was submitted anonymously to the FBI stating that I told this individual that I was going to do horrific things to my family and set my home on fire. It included my full name, the name of the company I work for, and a job title.

This was given to the state police, who then sent it to my local law enforcement. I had four police officers pull my wife and I out of our home at 11:30 at night, separate us, and then question us for an hour.

First, these claims are false. I love my family more than anything, and nothing even remotely close has ever entered my head, much less been said.

I believe the information detailed in the tip could really only be know by coworkers or someone associated with my work. I have a very small social circle, immediate family and 3 close friends, no social media or online presence, and no known enemies, up to this point. Though my friends and family know this information, they would never do this to me.

Interesting coincidence. My wife and I, both being interviewed by different officers in different places, at the same time, were both told initially that it was a coworker that made the anonymous statement. Only later, when asked to confirm this statement, did they say it did not specify a coworker, just my companies name and my title. They said they had to “confirm the information in their system.”.

I requested and received the report from my local police department, and it provides no useful information. It doesn’t even provide the statement reported that caused them to visit my home. I have submitted a freedom of information act request with the state police and the FBI.

Due to my concern of it being a coworker or someone associated with my workplace, I notified my company. As I expected, they were respectful and showed concern, but immediately went into defensive mode.

They have told me, if it has anything to do with the company, they want to do everything they can to track this down for me. First, they will be contacting their lawyer to see if there is anything they can do to help. I’m not dumb, I know they are doing this to protect their company, and I don’t blame them, but I am concerned about how to proceed at this point.

I am not discussing this with coworkers. Right now I am just waiting to get the statements and any information that could identify this person, but that is an extreme long shot. The likely result will be, no useful information gathered, and it will be my choice if I stay or go.

Is there anything else I should be doing? What should I say or avoid saying? Do I need an attorney, or should I trust my company? Any advice would be welcome. I live in Ohio. Thank you!