A Canandaigua man has been charged with making threats to harm people attending a holiday event at the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Michael J. Keitz, 56, faces a federal charge of interstate transmission of threats to injure others. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey stated that on November 5, 2025, the museum’s director received an email from justonstclair0@gmail.com with the subject “$20,000 donation consideration.” The sender expressed interest in donating to the museum but wanted to visit first. In the following days, further emails were exchanged about events and a possible visit.
On November 7, the director received another email from the same address with the subject “DEATH TO THE JEWS.” The message included a threat to bring violence to an upcoming event at the museum and referenced “swift justice worse than OCTOBER 7th.” As a result of this threat, the scheduled event was canceled, causing approximately $10,000 in expenses and significant lost revenue for the museum.
Keitz was taken into custody by Canandaigua Police on November 9 on an unrelated matter. During their investigation, officers identified Keitz as the owner of the email account used for the threats and determined that messages were sent from Wood Library in Canandaigua.
Keitz has previous felony convictions at both state and federal levels. He is currently under federal supervised release after serving seven years for bank robbery following his conviction in 2021.
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo commented: “A threat by any individual to harm a large number of people in a public setting is concerning and something that our Office takes very seriously. Residents of the Western District of New York deserve to move around their community freely, whether it be everyday activities or attending a holiday event. The threats made in this case were quickly traced to the defendant, who will now be held accountable for his actions.”
Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office added: “Today’s federal arrest of Michael Keitz should serve as a warning for those who use the internet to threaten violence and terrorize people. Unfortunately, the FBI continues to see threats of violence all too often – in person and online. The FBI takes all acts or threats of violence seriously and is committed to working side-by-side with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities.”
Keitz appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained pending further proceedings.
The investigation involved cooperation between Canandaigua Police Department led by Chief Mathew Nielsen; New York State Police under Major Kevin Sucher; and FBI Buffalo Field Office led by Philip Tejera.
Authorities emphasize that charges are accusations only; Keitz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
