Christopher McCarty, a 33-year-old resident of Manhattan, New York, has been sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence was issued for his act of mailing a threatening letter with the intent to kill two New York State judges.
The announcement was made by 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).
McCarty had previously pleaded guilty to the charges. He admitted that while incarcerated at Auburn Correctional Facility between May and June 2023, he sent a letter on or about May 31, 2023, to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. In this letter, McCarty threatened to kill two judges who had presided over his case once he was released from prison.
U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented on the matter: “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 also remarked: “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.”
The investigation was conducted by FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss led the prosecution.
