Thomas Roy didn’t think twice when he took down some political signs from the private property he was responsible for. However, upon returning to the location the following day, he was shocked to find that not only were the signs back up, but there was also an additional message containing threatening language.
A handwritten note, claiming to be from someone watching from a distance with a firearm, was taped to a utility pole near the Republican-supporting signs.
Roy, a Republican, expressed his concern about the descriptive nature of the signs, stating that it would not have affected him if they were placed properly. He took issue with the signs’ content, particularly the threat of violence over a sign. “Over a sign you’re going to threaten to shoot somebody? Really?” he questioned.
The man who was accused of writing the note spent two nights in jail and is now facing a misdemeanor charge. However, he was not charged with the felony terrorism count he was initially arrested for.
On July 27, a Saturday, the issue arose when Roy noticed six signs placed near the right-of-way adjacent to the former Sears building located at the intersection of Tittabawassee and Bay roads while driving by. Given that he is responsible for the maintenance work on the property through his business, Ultimate Lawnpros, Roy stopped to remove the signs. He then placed them beside a green meter box, with the intention of returning them to their owner.
Roy expressed his support for two signs that defended the police and showed support for former President Donald J. Trump.
According to the former vice-chair of the Saginaw County Republican Party, Roy, this matter is not political in nature.
On Sunday, when Roy revisited the site, he noticed that the signs had been put up again. This time, however, they were accompanied by a menacing note.
Roy stated that the mention of “9mm” indicated that the person in question might possess a firearm. He expressed concern about the safety of his employees who come to the location to mow the grass during the day and the potential threat that the individual might pose. Roy decided to take preemptive measures to avoid any issues.
After Roy informed the authorities, they were quick to respond and filed a report. Interestingly, on the same day, a 50-year-old gentleman approached the Saginaw Township Police Department to report that his signs had been stolen. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the signs in question were the same ones that Roy had reported missing. Surprisingly, the man confessed that he believed he had the right to display them in that particular location.
According to a bond recommendation written by prosecutors, the man confessed to writing the note and stated that it was intended as a joke. Additionally, he admitted to owning a 9mm pistol.
According to prosecutors, a CO2-powered BB gun, resembling a pistol, was found in the man’s vehicle. He claimed that he had been using it to shoot trees at Wickes Park.
The suspect was taken into custody by the police on the accusation of making terroristic threats, which is a serious offense with a 20-year prison sentence. In a parallel development, the man’s son went to the police station and surrendered his father’s 9mm gun, stating that his father is mentally unstable and should not possess any firearms. According to the prosecutors’ report, the son described his father as “crazy.”
After spending two nights in the Saginaw County Jail, the suspect was able to secure his release on a $500 bond last Tuesday. However, that same day, prosecutors officially charged him with the offense of molesting or disturbing an individual who is in pursuit of their occupation. This particular crime is classified as a 90-day misdemeanor.
Roy expressed his disappointment that the man is not being charged with a felony.
He expressed his frustration with the current state of affairs, stating that given the prevalence of gun violence, the punishment for such crimes is hardly sufficient. He further revealed his intention of seeking a personal protection order against the perpetrator.
Blair N. Stevenson, the Chief Assistant Prosecutor of Saginaw County, stated that the situation did not fulfill all the requirements for a terrorism charge. To charge someone with terrorism, the criminal act must be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or affect the conduct of government through intimidation or coercion.
According to Stevenson, since the threatening note did not target a specific individual but rather the general population or a government unit, prosecutors were unable to press the more severe charge.
The individual has been given a timeframe of 10 days to present themselves in front of the Saginaw County District Court for their arraignment. Until that occurs, MLive has decided not to reveal their identity.
-
- Saginaw Diocese settles lawsuit with victims of Father Bob DeLand
- Northern Michigan man charged with beating mother, 95, to death
- Ex-National Guardsman pleads guilty, again, to accidentally shooting self, pregnant wife
