⏱ 2 min read
A chilling text message sent in July 2025 sparked a federal investigation that would eventually land 20-year-old Tamal W. Jenkins behind bars. The message, sent to a Pensacola Police Department detective, threatened to kill the officer if she didn’t release suspects in a homicide investigation.
Within days of the detective’s arrest, Jenkins allegedly sent the threatening text, which sparked a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Pensacola Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg.
Jenkins was subsequently charged with interstate threatening communication with intent to extort and faced a possible 20-year sentence. His gamble didn’t pay off, as U.S. District Judge ruled that Jenkins would serve 20 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
At the time of the threat, Jenkins was already on state-ordered probation for firearm and drug offenses. The sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of targeting law enforcement officers.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Florida
- Location: US
- Source: DOJ Press Release
