LANSING – The man who sent threatening harassing and intimidating emails to the 19th Circuit Court Administrator was found guilty on February 6, 2023, of Malicious Use of Telecommunications Service and Using a Computer to Commit a Crime. 

Ryan King, age 43, of Benzonia sent several harassing and intimidating emails to the Court Administrator. On April 2, 2022, he sent an email with a veiled death threat, which led to his arrest. In the 85th District Court in Manistee, Visiting Judge John Middlebrook sentenced King to 2 years of probation with 1 year of jail suspended. 

“Threatening public officials is unacceptable,” Nessel said. “We’re pleased that the jury and Judge Middlebrook recognized terroristic threats are not protected under the First Amendment and pose a significant danger to our democracy. My department is committed to holding those who commit these crimes accountable.” 

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