Maine Man Sentenced for Threatening Communications and Firearms Charges

PORTLAND, ME—John Crosby, of Maine, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge George Z. Singal to 46 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II. Crosby pleaded guilty in April 2011 to sending threatening communications and unlawful possession of a firearm charges.

Court records reveal that in January 2011, Crosby sent threatening communications over the Internet to two National Public Radio hosts threatening to, among other things, rape, torture, and kill them. After Crosby was arrested in Portland on Jan. 26, 2011, for sending the threatening communications, the FBI searched his car and found a shotgun in it. Crosby was prohibited from possessing firearms because of two prior felony convictions.

“I am very pleased that this office was successful in the prosecution of Mr. Crosby and greatly appreciate the quick and thorough work of the FBI in investigating the case, quickly determining the source, and putting an end to Mr. Crosby’s threats,” said U.S. Attorney Delahanty.

U.S. Attorney Delahanty continued: “It is important that public figures feel free to present the news and express their views without fear of threats and intimidation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office takes such threats very seriously and will prosecute them vigorously. The threats in this case were personal and infringed on the news organization’s ability to present the news freely.”

The investigation was conducted by the FBI.