Detroit man sentenced for threatening to kill Gov. Whitmer, SOS Benson
(CBS DETROIT) - A 60-year-old Detroit man was sentenced to 15 months of probation under mental health treatment for threatening to kill elected officials, including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, officials said.
According to Attorney General Dana Nessel's Office, James Toepler pleaded no contest to one count of malicious use of telecommunications services in September.
Toepler called the Detroit Police Department's 911 Call Center and threatened to kill Whitmer, Benson, and other officials, but he did not specify those other officials.
In addition to his sentence, Toepler was also ordered not to have any contact with the governor, secretary of state, or their offices or to have any malicious contact with 911 emergency response services or any secretary of state offices.
"The Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit in my office will diligently prosecute those who attempt to terrorize and intimidate elected officials," said Nessel. "I appreciate the mental health treatment court's role in assessing and treating convicted residents who commit crimes from a place of mental unwellness. Specialized courts across the state do an excellent job of providing evidence-based intervention strategies and aim to put offenders on a stable footing to find success post-sentencing."
According to the release, the specialized mental health treatment court will look over Toepler's probation. He appears in court again on Nov. 1, where treatment will be determined.