Manhattan Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Mailing a Letter Containing a Threat to Kill Two Judges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Christopher McCarty, age 33, of Manhattan, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for mailing a letter that contained a threat to kill two New York State judges.

United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his prior guilty plea, McCarty admitted that between May and June 2023, he was incarcerated at the Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, New York.  McCarty further admitted that on or about May 31, 2023, he mailed a letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.  In the letter, McCarty wrote that when he was released from prison, he was going to kill two New York State judges who had presided over his case leading to his incarceration at Auburn Correctional Facility.  

U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “When someone threatens a judge, they threaten our system of justice. Those who threaten judges for doing their jobs are going to be prosecuted and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “The FBI will not tolerate threats of violence to any member of our community, but especially those who work hard to safeguard our democratic process. No judge should have to fear their rulings might provoke such a violent response. Mr. McCarty’s actions were dangerous and unacceptable, and today’s sentence ensures he will remain behind bars.”

FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted the case.