Jamarcus Manuel, Making Threats to Injure, Alabama 2024

Mobile Men Sentenced for Making Threats to Police Officer

MOBILE, AL – In a disturbing case of online harassment, two Mobile men have been sentenced for making threats to injure a Mobile Police officer. Jamarcus Manuel, 21, was sentenced to serve twelve months of imprisonment, while Justin Gorman, 22, was sentenced to time-served.

According to court documents, in April 2023, Mobile Police Officers executed a traffic stop on a vehicle in Mobile, Alabama. One of the passengers of the vehicle live-streamed the interaction on Instagram. Manuel and Gorman posted comments on the video threatening to injure the officer conducting the traffic stop.

“Using social media, the internet, or any other communication channel to make threats is unacceptable,” said Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. “This is especially true when threats are made to those merely doing their jobs, like the men and women in law enforcement. We take any threat seriously, and will investigate and prosecute the criminals who violate federal laws by doing so.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasee S. Heisterhagen prosecuting on behalf of the United States.

Manuel and Gorman were charged with Interstate Communication of Threats to Injure. Both men will be subject to three years of supervised release.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of online harassment and the consequences of making threats to law enforcement officers. As our nation grapples with the complexities of social media and online communication, it is essential that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our law enforcement personnel.

With the rise of social media, it has become increasingly easy for individuals to anonymously make threats and engage in online harassment. However, as this case demonstrates, the consequences of such actions can be severe.

As we move forward, it is crucial that we work together to create a safer and more respectful online environment, where threats and harassment are met with swift and severe consequences.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdal/pr/mobile-men-sentenced-making-threats-police-officer