Cape Cod Man Threatens to Murder Federal Official’s Family

BOSTON – A Cape Cod man has admitted to a chilling plot to murder a prominent federal official, a relative of that official, and the relative’s spouse. Michael P. Mahoney, 62, of South Dennis, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting interstate threats to injure another person, bringing him one step closer to facing serious consequences for his violent rhetoric.

The depravity unfolded on the evening of March 28, 2025. While a relative of the federal official dined with companions outside of Massachusetts, Mahoney unleashed a torrent of abuse over the phone. The call, originating from a blocked number, was met with confirmation of the relative’s full name before devolving into a terrifying death threat. According to court documents, Mahoney screamed he would murder the relative, their spouse, and the federal official – identifying them by first name – culminating in a string of obscenities: “Die you f*****g c**t mother f****r.” The call lasted a mere twelve seconds before the relative terminated it, only for Mahoney to immediately call back, unanswered.

Federal investigators swiftly traced the threatening calls to Mahoney through phone records obtained from the relative’s service provider. When law enforcement attempted to make contact with Mahoney at his South Dennis residence on March 29, 2025, he reportedly refused to answer the door or his phone, effectively stonewalling authorities. This blatant disregard for the investigation only deepened the seriousness of the allegations against him.

This wasn’t a casual rant; it was a calculated threat directed at those connected to a federal official. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is taking this case extremely seriously, sending a clear message that targeting public servants and their families will not be tolerated. The Department of Justice will not stand for intimidation or attempts to disrupt the lawful functions of government.

Mahoney now faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. However, the final sentence will be determined by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes. A sentencing date is scheduled for October 29, 2025.

The investigation was a collaborative effort led by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division, Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, and Dennis Police Chief John Brady. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadine Pellegrini, Chief of the National Security Unit, is prosecuting the case, ensuring that justice is served for this disturbing act of intimidation and violence.

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