Ohio Man Threatened to Burn Down Planned Parenthood

CINCINNATI – Mohamed Farah Waes of Ohio is facing serious federal charges after allegedly calling in threats to burn down a Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio facility, with people still inside. The feds say Waes didn’t just rant – he specifically threatened to use fire to destroy the building and harm those receiving care and working there.

The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury, alleges Waes violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a law designed to protect patients and providers of reproductive health services. He’s also been charged with interstate communication of threats and intentionally threatening to damage property with fire. This isn’t some vague expression of anger; the feds claim Waes made direct, credible threats.

If convicted on all counts, Waes could be looking at up to 10 years in the slammer per charge. On top of that, he faces three years of supervised release after serving time and a hefty fine of up to $250,000. Federal prosecutors aren’t messing around with threats against healthcare facilities, especially in the current climate.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio, and FBI Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers announced the indictment, sending a clear message: targeting reproductive health services won’t be tolerated. The FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, specifically the Columbus Resident Agency, handled the investigation, digging into the evidence to build a solid case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Rausch and Trial Attorney Daniel Grunert are leading the prosecution. They’ll be tasked with proving Waes’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a complex case involving interpretation of threats and proving intent, and the prosecution will need to present a compelling argument to the jury.

Let’s be clear: an indictment isn’t a conviction. Waes is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges are serious, and the feds have signaled they’re prepared to pursue this case aggressively. Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and report on the proceedings as they unfold.

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