Rio Verde Resident Gets 15-Month Sentence for Threatening Federal Officials

An Arizona man has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for making violent threats against elected officials and federal agents. Michael Lee Tomasi, 38, of Rio Verde, was charged for posting menacing content on the online forum patriots.win, a site frequented by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

U.S. District Judge Dominic Lanza handed down the sentence on Monday, which also includes 36 months of supervised release and a $100 fine. In his posts, Tomasi expressed alarming intentions, including the execution of a congressman and threats against FBI agents, stating, “Shoot the FBI first and ask questions later.”

Tomasi’s arrest by the FBI in December revealed a significant cache of weapons, including over 5,000 rounds of ammunition, an AR-15 style rifle, and body armor. Judge Lanza ordered that these items be permanently confiscated and will not be returned to Tomasi.

Attorney General Merrick Garland commended the sentencing, emphasizing the severity of Tomasi’s threats. “Michael Tomasi told the FBI to ‘come to my house and see what happens’ – what has happened is that he will spend 15 months in federal prison,” said Garland, underscoring the importance of holding individuals accountable for such behavior.

Initially facing multiple charges that could have led to a 15-year sentence, Tomasi ultimately pleaded guilty to one count of making threats against public officials. The legal proceedings sparked concern from federal officials regarding the safety of those in public service.

FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed personal outrage over threats against agents, stating, “Anyone who would threaten FBI personnel is undermining the very fabric of our democracy.”

U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino reinforced the message that threats against public officials will not be tolerated, distinguishing between protected speech and violent threats. “The incitement of violence is not acceptable,” he stated, pledging to continue prosecuting those who engage in such conduct.

The rise in political violence and threats against public officials, particularly at the local level, reflects worrying trends in societal discourse. Experts attribute this escalation to increasing partisan divisions and a culture of aggressive political rhetoric.