HILLSDALE, Mich. (WWJ) -- A 50-year-old Hillsdale, Michigan man has been ordered to trial, accused of making a violent threat aimed at the Hillsdale County Sheriff.
Attorney General Dana Nessel, during a Wednesday preliminary examination in 2B District Court, Chad Young was bound over for trial on one felony count of Making a False Report or Threat of Terrorism for allegedly threatening the locally elected sheriff.
The AG's office said Young is alleged to left an voicemail for Sheriff Scott B. Hodshire after a complaint Young filed against someone else, did not end up resulting in criminal charges.
In the audio message, investigators said Young threatened to “gut” Hodshire for his actions related to Young’s case.
“Death threats against public officials for making decisions you disagree with, or for any reason, are not protected free speech,” said Nessel, in a statement. “The Hate Crimes and Domestic Terrorism unit at my department is prepared to pursue terrorism charges when disagreements with elected public officials turn to promises of violence against them.”
Young’s next scheduled court appearance is a July 24 arraignment in the 1st Circuit Court in Hillsdale.
If convicted, Young faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both.
The AG's office did not release any details about the complaint that Young had filed with the sheriff's office.
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