Feds: Broward County Man Facing Charges After Posting Online Death Threat to Broward Prosecutor and Judges

January 2, 2014

A South Florida man is facing federal charges after authorities say he threatened to kill Broward State Attorney Mike Satz and as well as some other judges in a posting on a Broward County courthouse blog on November 27th.

Federal authorities claim that the man, who has lived in Broward and Palm Beach counties as of late, will remain in custody pending further proceedings.

According to news reports, the man posted the following on the blog:

“By the end of this year a rouque [sic] asa will be executed for his abuse of prosecutorial power that hurt my kids and ruined my life. His kids will be spared but he has to much power to be left to his sma [sic] minded sick decptions [sic] to get convictions and further his career. He will be accompained [sic] by current and former judges who abused their judicial power to destroy good lives and decent people. Mike Satz goes first.”

(ASA is an abbreviation for assistant state attorney).

The FBI was contacted by an unidentified person who reported the comment, prompting the FBI to obtain a subpoena to identify the computer that was used to make threat.

Law enforcement traced the comment to a computer in a Boca Raton home where the defendant was dog sitting for a friend. When confronted, the defendant allegedly appeared “intoxicated” and refused to let the agents look at any computers, The next day the defendant dialed 211, a telephone crisis helpline, and said he wanted to hang himself.
A few days later, the homeowner allowed the FBI examine her computer, which agents later confirmed was used to make the posting.

A forensic psychologist told agents he conducted seven mental health evaluations on the defendant between 2003 and 2007 and diagnosed the defendant with bipolar disorder, alcohol dependency and an anti-social disorder. (He had several past Broward County cases, including two domestic violence cases and four aggravated stalking cases, some of which were handled in a special court for defendants with mental health problems.)

FBI reports indicate that, “[The psychologist] believes that [the defendant] is a ‘high risk’ to engage in future violent behavior against specific targets and is a ‘ticking time bomb.’”

Threatening to kill or harm a public official is a federal offense, punishable by prison time. If you are contacted by the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s office in the course of any type of investigation, it is imperative that you contact an experienced South Florida Federal Criminal Attorney immediately. Until you consult a lawyer regarding a pending investigation or criminal charges, you may not have a clear idea of what is in store for you.

The South Florida Criminal Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help. We will meet with you, protect you from unlawful searches and interrogation and ensure you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today, local (561) 367-8777 or toll free: (866) 608-5529 to discuss your case.