Seann Pietela Charged with Transmitting Threats in Michigan

Seann Pietela, a 19-year-old from Pickford, Michigan, has been arrested and charged with transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure another, officials announced.

On April 25, 2024, U.S. Attorney Mark Totten announced that Pietela was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and charged in a criminal complaint. According to the complaint, Pietela is alleged to have communicated with others on Instagram and evinced a neo-Nazi ideology, antisemitism, glorification of past mass shooters, and a desire and intent to mimic past mass shooters or mass casualty events.

Pietela allegedly communicated about planning to commit acts of violence to kill other people. Authorities searched his home earlier today, seizing ammunition, magazines, a shotgun, a rifle, a pistol, various knives, firearms accessories, tactical vests, a mask, a Nazi flag, a ghillie suit, gas masks, and military sniper/survival manuals. Additionally, they seized Pietela’s phone, which contained notes identifying a particular synagogue in East Lansing, a date, and a list of equipment.

“No American should face threats against them based on their race or religion,” said James A. Tarasca, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Crimes like the one alleged in this complaint have a profound effect not only on the intended target, but on their entire community. I would like to thank the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office for their close collaboration during this investigation. Every Michigander should rest assured that law enforcement at all levels are working together to ensure that those who engage in this type of behavior see justice under the law.”>

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, TRI-county Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET), and Michigan State Police Emergency Services Team assisted the FBI with this case.

A copy of the complaint is attached. The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Pietela is currently facing charges of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure another. His current status is not available at this time.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

United States v. Patrick, Defraudment, Virginia 2023

Jul 1, 2019

Violent Crime

Muldrow, Money Laundering, Maryland 2024

Jul 1, 2015

Violent Crime

Soto Farias, Firearms Offense, California 2023

Jan 15, 2023

Violent Crime

Sonya Brown, Straw Purchasing, Illinois 2024

May 9, 2023