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Medford Man Gets 63 Months for Obama Threats, Pipe Bombs
MEDFORD, Ore. – John Martin Roos, 62, of Medford, is headed to federal prison for 63 months after pleading guilty to a chilling combination of threats and illegal weapons possession. Roos threatened to kill former President Barack Obama, his family, and FBI agents, all while stockpiling unregistered explosive devices. The sentence, handed down by United States District Court Judge Michael J. McShane on May 12, 2017, sends a clear message: online threats are no longer just talk.
The case began unraveling last April when Roos was arrested while parking his truck near a Veterans Administration (VA) facility in White City, Oregon. A loaded semi-automatic pistol was discovered hidden under the driver’s side floor mat. A subsequent search of Roos’ apartment revealed a disturbing arsenal – more firearms and several fully constructed pipe bombs. The evidence painted a picture of a man actively preparing for violence.
Roos freely admitted in court to posting racially charged threats on social media. A particularly disturbing Twitter post detailed his intent to kill former President Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and their children. On Facebook, Roos escalated the threats, stating he would “snipe” FBI agents “with hunting rifles.” These weren’t idle boasts; they were specific, targeted expressions of violent intent.
Investigators uncovered a clear motive for Roos’s rage. He cited the fatal shooting of Lavoy Finicum in January 2016 during the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon. The incident, which garnered national attention, clearly fueled Roos’s animosity towards law enforcement and the federal government. He’s been held in custody since his arrest in April 2016, awaiting the outcome of the case.
“Threats of violence directed at public officials and law enforcement are a serious matter,” stated Billy J. Williams, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Violent social media posts are every bit as serious as those made in other venues. We will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute similar crimes.” The message is blunt: the digital world is not a safe haven for those who threaten violence.
The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the FBI, United States Secret Service, VA Police Service, Oregon State Police, Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force, and Medford Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William “Bud” Fitzgerald prosecuted the case, securing a significant sentence that should deter others from following a similar path. Following his prison term, Roos will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Key Facts
- State: Oregon
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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