Jackson, Missouri Man Charged with Sending Threatening E-Mail

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO—The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that James Clay Waller, Jr., Jackson, MO, was indicted on charges of sending an e-mail threatening physical harm to another over the Internet, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c).

The indictment alleges that the offense occurred on or about July 26, 2011. Waller appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Lewis M. Blanton in the United States District Court in Cape Girardeau this morning for arraignment.

The government filed a motion requesting that Waller be held without bond, alleging that no conditions of bond could reasonably assure Waller’s appearance in court or the safety of any other person or the community. Following the presentation of evidence on the issue of detention, the remainder of the hearing was continued until Monday, September 12, 2011, at 12:00 p.m.

If convicted, Waller faces a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Larry H. Ferrell.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.