Overview
- Federal prosecutors say David Czerniak, 62, was indicted by a Boston grand jury and arrested in Arkansas on Wednesday on two counts of interstate transmission of threatening communications.
- Prosecutors allege Czerniak left separate profane voicemails for two Massachusetts congressional offices in February 2025 and December 2025 that warned lawmakers and their families to “watch your back” and referenced the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.
- The indictment charges two counts under a statute used when threats cross state lines and officials say convictions carry up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000.
- Court filings show Czerniak made an initial appearance in the Western District of Arkansas and is expected to be transferred to federal court in Boston to face the charges.
- FBI and U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasized that threats against elected officials are not protected speech and will be investigated, while prosecutors declined to name the lawmakers targeted to protect safety and the integrity of the probe.