BANGOR, MI – Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson once believed that putting too many people on one side of the island of Guam might cause it to tip, but that’s no reason to threaten anyone.
U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced that Martin Dale Osborn, 60 years old, of Bangor, was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney. Osborn pled guilty in August to threatening a federal official. Upon his release, Osborn will be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years.
In June 2020, Osborn left a voicemail for Rep. Johnson, who represents Atlanta’s 4th Congressional District. Osborn stated, “One day you are going to see me. It’ll be about two o’clock in the morning. I’ll be at your bedside and all you’re going to see is me knocking the living shit out of you … terrified? You should be.” Osborn referred to Rep. Johnson, who is Black, as “boy,” and specifically linked his threat to the Congressman’s sponsorship of a gun control bill. As a result of the conviction, Osborn will be permanently barred from possessing firearms.
Judge Maloney emphasized the need to deter others from committing similar crimes, which divert scarce law enforcement resources. He warned, “Those who [make such threats] must understand the likelihood that they’re going to serve some time in incarceration is significant.”
“Every American has the right to express his or her opinion, but no one has the right to threaten another with violence.” said U.S. Attorney Birge. “Every threat will be taken seriously, and result in serious consequences.”