Philadelphia man pleads guilty to racist threats, cyberstalking and civil rights violations
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A 44-year-old Philadelphia man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a series of violent, racially motivated threats and cyberstalking that targeted city employees and African American individuals, following a months-long campaign of harassment and intimidation.
Mark Tucci entered the guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh, admitting to charges that include making threats to use a dangerous weapon, interfering with federally protected activities, interstate communication of threats, and cyberstalking. He faces up to 21 years in federal prison when sentenced in December.
According to court documents, Tucci’s conduct began in April and escalated in June after a dispute over a records request made to a Philadelphia city agency. Investigators say he bombarded an African American employee (Victim 1) with racial slurs and threats via phone calls, emails, and text messages — including messages referencing Victim 1’s home address and stating “this is personal now.”
On June 3, Tucci repeatedly called the agency, threatened to physically harm staff, and shouted slurs during conversations with multiple employees. That same day, he sent threatening messages to Victim 1’s personal phone — a number that had not been given to him — and referenced specific details about Victim 1’s location and identity.
Separately, on February 1, Tucci targeted another African American individual (Victim 2) on I-95 by pulling alongside their vehicle, shouting threats, and hurling a glass mug at their car, causing property damage and fear of imminent violence.
Prosecutors said Tucci’s threats were racially motivated and aimed at intimidating victims based on their race and their employment with a public agency. The victims reported significant emotional distress and fear for their safety and the safety of their families.
The FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, and Philadelphia Police Department jointly investigated the case.
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Key Points
- Mark Tucci of Philadelphia pleaded guilty to racially motivated threats, cyberstalking, and civil rights violations
- Tucci targeted city employees and another driver with slurs, threats, and harassment
- He faces up to 21 years in prison when sentenced in December