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Press Release

Akron man indicted for making threats

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

An Akron man was indicted in federal court for making threats against police and others, said U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

Brian Newell, 24, was indicted on three counts of transmitting threats across state lines.

Newell made several threats against police and other law enforcement officers on Facebook in October 2017 and again in April 2018.

According to the indictment:

Newell wrote several messages over three four days in October 2017, including:

“Def feel like I can beat the vegas shooter’s high score.”

“Better prayer God with y’all cause I’m def not praying for your safety.”

“As Allah is my witness any cop or law enforcement who approaches me in any way will be fire on. Yes I’m high on them hard drugs and carrying a weapons. Just leave me alone I’ve lost everything I don’t mind losing my life #Allahuakbar #gamg”

On April 7, 2018, Newell wrote several messages, including: “Kill cops” and “I BET I KILL A COP TODAY P*****S”

On April 7, 2018, Newell threatened to kill an individual during a phone call placed from the Summit County Jail in which he said: “And I’m killing you and them kids b***h.”

Herdman said: “We take all threats seriously. People will be held accountable when they threaten violence against our police and law enforcement officers, to commit mass shootings or to otherwise harm children and other innocent people.”

"Those who serve and protect the citizenry of our communities should not have death threats against them,” Anthony said. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify threats and hold those responsible accountable."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Bulford.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Contact

Mike Tobin
216.622.3651
michael.tobin@usdoj.gov

Updated May 24, 2018