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Former Delaware Resident Sentenced for Mailing Graphic Threats

A former Delaware resident, Michael Protack, 63, has been found guilty of mailing two explicit death threats to a Delawarean in January and February of 2021. The letters included a graphic image of a dead body and a threat of death by a date certain.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI Baltimore Division Wilmington Resident Office, with assistance from the Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Briana Knox is prosecuting the case.

Protack faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. Judge Richard G. Andrews will sentence the defendant on December 6, 2021, after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Using the U.S. mail to threaten injury or death to others is a serious federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney David C. Weiss. “The defendant’s threats were graphic, violent, and specifically designed to inspire fear.”

“Using the United States Mail to make anonymous violent threats against another person is a federal crime,” said Damon Wood, Postal Inspector in Charge of Philadelphia Division of the Postal Inspection Service. He added that “Violent threats in the mail are exceedingly rare in 2021, but when they occur, the United States Postal Inspection Service will work to hold accountable those who made the threats.”

Protack’s actions sparked a massive investigation, which ultimately led to his guilty plea. His case serves as a warning to those who would use the mail to threaten others. As U.S. Attorney Weiss noted, “My Office will do what is necessary to ensure that the U.S. Postal Service is not used as a communication vehicle for violent threats.”

Protack’s sentencing is scheduled for December 6, 2021. The community can rest assured that those who commit such heinous crimes will be held accountable for their actions.