Mobile Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Threats, Lies, and Bullets

MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for sending a series of threatening text messages to his former boss after being fired from a local construction company.

Cloepha Franks, not provided of Mobile, Alabama, was convicted of transmitting interstate threats to injure in November 2023 and sentenced by United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, after being terminated from his job, Franks sent threatening text messages to his former boss from Alabama to the victim who was located in Mississippi.

The jury heard testimony that Franks’ phone transmitted the messages to the victim, who also testified about receiving the threats. Other witnesses from the construction company testified about the precautions taken after Franks transmitted the threats and the fear his actions caused.

The FBI testified concerning the ongoing threat to life investigation and evidence obtained from Franks’ cell phone and cell phone records. At the sentencing hearing, Judge DuBose imposed a 33-month sentence of incarceration and a 3-year term of supervised release upon Franks’ discharge from prison.

Franks will also be required to undergo a mental health evaluation and alcohol monitoring. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Mobile Division led this investigation, and Assistant United States Attorneys Beth Stepan and Chris Bodnar prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

Franks’ actions have had a lasting impact on the victim and others who witnessed the threats. The sentence imposed by Judge DuBose sends a clear message that transmitting interstate threats will not be tolerated.

In a statement, the FBI emphasized the importance of their role in investigating this case and preventing further harm to those affected by Franks’ actions.

The case is a reminder that the consequences of transmitting threats can be severe and long-lasting, and that law enforcement will continue to work tirelessly to protect the public and bring those who engage in this behavior to justice.