66-year-old Stephen Jay Thorn from Pensacola, Florida pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of a threat after leaving five threatening voicemails for Orlando U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger. Thorn expressed his dissatisfaction with a judicial opinion he had read online, which led him to send menacing messages to the judge. In one of the voicemails, Thorn mentioned that he had looked up the judge’s personal information, including where she and her family lived, and threatened her by saying she was “very easy to track.”
One of the threatening voicemails left by Thorn to Judge Berger included derogatory and offensive language, referring to her as a “stupid redneck, c**t, judge” and accusing her of being cruel. Thorn also criticized the judge for allegedly thinking it was acceptable for LGBTQ kids to be bullied, insinuating that a law allowed this behavior. Additionally, Thorn mentioned personal details about the judge’s family, including her children and husband’s name, as well as their address, which he claimed to have found.
As a result of his actions, Thorn now faces potential consequences of up to five years in federal prison. While a sentencing date has not yet been scheduled, Thorn’s guilty plea to the charge of interstate transmission of a threat indicates his acknowledgment of the seriousness of his actions. By threatening a federal judge and sharing personal information about her and her family in the voicemails, Thorn violated federal laws and now must face the legal repercussions for his behavior.
The case involving Stephen Jay Thorn serves as a reminder of the consequences of making threats and harassing individuals, particularly those in positions of authority like judges. Threatening behavior can result in criminal charges and significant penalties, as seen in Thorn’s plea agreement for interstate transmission of a threat. The incident also highlights the importance of addressing and condemning disrespectful and aggressive behavior, especially towards public officials tasked with upholding the law.
The threatening voicemails sent by Thorn to Judge Wendy Berger demonstrate the harmful impact of intimidation and harassment on individuals targeted by such behavior. Judge Berger received offensive and threatening messages from Thorn, who expressed his discontent with her judicial opinion through derogatory language and personal attacks. Such actions not only violate legal boundaries but also have the potential to cause emotional distress and fear for the recipient of the threats.
By pleading guilty to the charge of interstate transmission of a threat, Stephen Jay Thorn has accepted responsibility for his actions and the harm caused by his threatening voicemails. The guilty plea signifies Thorn’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of his behavior towards Judge Berger and his willingness to face the consequences outlined by federal law. The case underscores the importance of respecting individuals’ safety and well-being, regardless of personal disagreements or grievances, and serves as a cautionary example of the legal repercussions of threatening and harassing others.
