Lansing Man Convicted of Threatening Federal Judge, Sheriff, And Court Clerk

DETROIT –Kevin William Cassaday, 41, of Lansing, Michigan, was convicted by a federal jury last week of sending threats to public officials, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division, and United States Marshal Owen Cypher.

Cassaday was convicted after a four-day jury trial before United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning a verdict of guilty on all counts.

At trial, the evidence showed that Cassaday threatened a federal district court judge’s chamber, Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth, and the Court of Claims clerk’s office. Cassady’s threatening communications to these public officials included: “I am going to get my guns and we are going to have a party,” “You want me to kill, I will start with you and your family,” and “I want the clerk dead!” At trial, the individuals that received Cassady’s threats explained that they were the most direct and persistent threats that they had ever received during their government service.

“Public officials should be free to serve their communities without worrying about threats to their lives. This offender’s threats to harm a member of the judiciary, an elected law enforcement official, and at least one other public employee caused undue concern for these employees. The jury has rightfully sent the message that threats to those serving the public will not be tolerated.” stated U. S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

“This verdict sends a clear message that threats of violence against a public official will not be tolerated,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Mr. Cassaday intended to intimidate and create fear in victims whose jobs are integral to our justice system. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to aggressively investigating those who threaten members of our community with violence.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Rawsthorne.