LANSING – At a Wednesday preliminary examination in 2B District Court, Chad Young, 50, of Hillsdale, was bound over for trial on one charge of Making a False Report or Threat of Terrorism for allegedly threatening the locally elected Sheriff, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced. 

Young is alleged to have threatened Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott B. Hodshire after a complaint filed by Young did not result in criminal charges. In the audio message left for Sheriff Hodshire, Young threatened to “gut” the Sheriff for his actions in relation to Young’s case. 

“Death threats against public officials for making decisions you disagree with, or for any reason, are not protected free speech,” said Nessel. “The Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism unit at my department is prepared to pursue terrorism charges when disagreements with elected public officials turn to promises of violence against them.” 

Young’s arraignment is scheduled for July 24, 2023, in the 1st Circuit Court in Hillsdale. 

Please note: A criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos. 

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