Overview

• A federal judge ordered George Joseph Wellinger II to serve six months in prison for sending a violent, homophobic email to a member of the LGBTQ community involved in a news report about the Lake Arrowhead Pride flag killing.
• Prosecutors highlighted language in Wellinger’s email that referenced a “dirt nap” and mimicked the sound of a gun being cocked to convey a death threat.
• The victim has experienced panic attacks, altered daily routines and ongoing fear since receiving the message, prompting her to begin therapy.
• Wellinger pleaded guilty to interstate threatening communication in March, with a special finding that he intentionally chose his target based on her actual or perceived sexual orientation.
• In court filings, his defense attorney cited post-pandemic loneliness and isolation, and noted that Wellinger has since sent apology letters and entered therapy.