Man Charged With Felony Terroristic Threat

A 57-year-old man from northern Michigan, Edward Manseau, has been charged with making a terroristic threat after prosecutors allege he threatened to kill a county prosecutor in Grand Traverse County. The Michigan Attorney General’s Office announced the case, which is now moving through the court system.

Details of the Alleged Threat

According to the Attorney General’s Office, Manseau made his alleged statements in August while speaking with a social worker employed by the Traverse City Police Department. Prosecutors claim that during the conversation, Manseau first said he wished to hire someone to kill the Grand Traverse County prosecutor and later conveyed that he wanted to carry out the act himself.

Court Proceedings and Legal Ramifications

Manseau was arraigned on October 9 in the 86th District Court of Grand Traverse County. He faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat or false report of terrorism, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference on October 23, followed by a preliminary examination on October 30.

Attorney General Nessel Addresses Threats Against Officials

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel commented on the case, stating, “The number of threats of violence made against elected officials are rising across the country and, sadly, local leaders, even prosecutors, are not immune to this disturbing trend. These actions cause public servants to live in fear in their own communities for simply doing their job. These threats carry significant legal consequences and my department will continue to prosecute these offenses to the fullest extent of the law.”

Prosecution by Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit

The case is being handled by the Attorney General’s Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism Unit. Created in 2019, the unit has prosecuted dozens of cases involving threats against elected officials throughout Michigan. Its responsibilities include responding to cases involving threats or violence against local officials, lawmakers, and judges.

Reporting Threats and Law Enforcement Response

Officials encourage anyone with information about similar threats to contact local law enforcement. The Attorney General’s Office also accepts tips at HateCrimes@michigan.gov.

Source: manisteenews.com.