BOSTON – Former college soccer player Addison Choi, 23, of Fullerton, Calif., has been charged in federal court with sending death threats to at least 45 professional and collegiate athletes between July and December 2017.
Choi faces a sentence of up to five years in prison for transmitting threats to injure persons across state lines. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling emphasized the severity, stating, “There is a difference between free speech – even hate speech – and intentionally putting others in fear for their lives.”
According to Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Field Division, Choi targeted athletes after losing significant amounts on sports gambling. His threats were often graphic, violent, and included racist language. “Let this case serve as a warning to others who think they can hide behind social media,” he said.
Choi attended college in Wellesley, Mass., where he played varsity soccer. He used Instagram to post death threats against athletes whose teams he bet on. Examples include vile messages directed at players and their families, using explicit language and racial slurs. “He waged a campaign of intimidation,” Bonavolonta said.
The investigation revealed that Choi posted multiple threats to each account between July 2017 and December 2017. The charges against him are serious, with potential fines up to $250,000 and supervised release following imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott L. Garland and Gregory J. Dorchak will prosecute the case on behalf of Lelling’s Civil Rights Enforcement Team and Civil Rights Unit. The announcement was made today by both officials.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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