Stephen M. DeBerardinis, Transmitting in Interstate Commerce Threats to Injure a Person, Massachusetts 2021

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Man Charged with Threats, Harassment of Interracial Couple

A Massachusetts man is facing federal charges for allegedly threatening and harassing an interracial couple on Facebook Messenger in 2021.

Stephen M. DeBerardinis, 45, of Boston and Dedham, was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today. He is charged with one count of transmitting in interstate commerce threats to injure a person, one count of tampering with a witness and victim by intimidation, threats, and corrupt persuasion, and one count of tampering with a witness and victim by harassment.

According to the indictment, DeBerardinis sent the couple a series of threatening and harassing messages on Facebook Messenger on January 6, 2021. The messages included racial slurs and threats of violence.

“My office aggressively prosecutes people who threaten racially-motivated violence because such threats are illegal, despicable and an affront to American values,” said Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell. “We take a hard line on threats and intimidation, and these charges make clear that such conduct will be prosecuted federally.”

The charge of transmitting in interstate commerce threats to injure a person provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and restitution. The charge of tampering with a witness and victim by intimidation, threats, and corrupt persuasion provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution and forfeiture. The charge of tampering with a witness and victim by harassment provides for a sentence of up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution and forfeiture.

Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and Boston Police Acting Commissioner Gregory Long made the announcement today. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott L. Garland and Torey B. Cummings, of Mendell’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team, are prosecuting the case.

FBI SAC Bonavolonta added, “Today’s arrest cannot mitigate the fear that Stephen DeBerardinis caused, and the sense of security this couple lost, but it does bring him to justice for allegedly sending a series of rage-filled messages threatening horrific acts of violence.”

The victims, a white woman and a Black man, announced their engagement on Facebook in late December 2020, which included photographs of the couple. DeBerardinis allegedly used Facebook Messenger to send the couple a series of threatening and harassing messages concerning the couple’s interracial relationship.