'Made my blood run cold': Man sentenced to 10 years for threatening Randy Fine, his children
A man was sentenced to nine years and 11 months in federal prison after using his social media account to make threats directed at U.S. Rep. Randy Fine.
At the time of the offense, Congressman Fine was a member of the Florida House of Representatives.
Edwin Guerrero, 26, of Massachusetts, was also sentenced to a $15,000 fine. He pleaded guilty on March 23.
One of the threats read as follows:
"Looks like I'm taking a little field trip to Brevard County, Florida. Let's play a game @VoteRandyFine"
This was sent from an IP address in Spain. Attached to the post was a photo of an individual holding what appears to be a firearm.
Another threat read as follows:
"Why don't you show us where you're at? @VoteRandyFine, you're scared of getting your brains blown in? Don't worry, we'll make sure your sons watch..."
This was also sent from an IP address in Spain.
The investigation revealed that Guerrero was in Spain when he made the threats.
When Guerrero returned to the United States, he was interviewed and admitted to using his social media account to send threatening messages to the congressman.
During the sentencing hearing, Fine said, "My boys are now victims of a crime ... I was afraid for me, and I was afraid for my boys."
According to Fine, Guerrero's threats involving his sons crossed a line and "made my blood run cold."
"Threats of intimidation or harm against public officials or anyone for their political or religious beliefs will not be tolerated," said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. "We will take such acts seriously and prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law."