David Czerniak indicted in Boston for threatening Massachusetts Congress members
David Czerniak made an initial court appearance in Arkansas on federal threat charges Wednesday morning. The Hatfield resident faces indictment in Boston for allegedly threatening two Massachusetts members of Congress.
Department of Justice officials said the 62-year-old will appear in Boston court later. Officials said Czerniak left two voicemails for two different members of Congress.
Czerniak is charged with two counts of interstate transmission of threatening communications. Each charge carries up to five years in prison. Penalties also include three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.
Voicemail transcripts for Public Official 1 and Public Official 2 showed accusations of stealing money. The messages allegedly accused the Democratic officials of aiding illegal aliens and promised violence. Transcripts also showed several redactions of profanity used as an adjective.
Nine Democrats represent Massachusetts in Congress.
“Threats of violence against elected officials are not protected speech. They are federal crimes,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.
Federal agents arrested Czerniak following the indictment. Ted E. Docks of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division addressed the case.
“Americans can and will disagree on policy and politics, but those disagreements must never escalate into threats or acts of violence,” Docks said.
U.S. Attorney Foley and Special Agent in Charge Docks announced the charges together. Several law enforcement agencies assisted with the federal investigation:
- United States Capitol Police
- Massachusetts State Police
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Federal grand juries review evidence presented by prosecutors to determine if formal charges are warranted. Defendants charged in one district may undergo initial proceedings before transfer to the charging venue.
The Western District of Arkansas handled the initial appearance in Fayetteville before the transfer to Boston.
