Judge's Gavel. TFP File Photo An Illinois man has been ordered detained after being charged with threatening a federal judge in the Southern Distr
An Illinois man has been ordered detained after being charged with threatening a federal judge in the Southern District of Florida.
Eric James Rennert, 55, of Champaign, Illinois, is accused of making threats to kidnap and injure a U.S. judge and the judge’s family. He also allegedly threatened to assault and murder the judge.
READ: Arizona Firm Tied To National Democrats Under Investigation For Alleged Voter Fraud In Pennsylvania
The indictment alleges that Rennert made these threats with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the judge’s ability to perform their official duties, as well as to retaliate against the judge.
Rennert faces serious penalties if convicted. Charges of interstate transmission of threats carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison per count, while threatening to assault, kidnap, and murder a U.S. judge carries a maximum sentence of ten years per count.
READ: Arizona Man Sentenced For Illegally Purchasing Firearms Used In California Jewish Hate Crimes
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri announced the charges. The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Smukler is prosecuting the matter.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
