A New York man was sentenced Thursday to three months in jail for leaving voicemails in which he threatened to kill Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
Joseph Morelli pleaded guilty to interstate threats in February after he left multiple voicemail messages at Greene’s Washington office in in early 2022
In the messages, Morelli said Greene caused “hatred” and “poison” for people, according to investigators.
“I really think I’m gonna have to cause you harm — physical harm,” he said.
“You’ve got a big f—— mouth, and I’m gonna show you what violence is really about,” he continued in a second voicemail. “Keep spreading that hate, b—-. See what the fuck happens to you. You are going to get f—— physically hurt. Keep talking that shit, b—-.”
Morelli identified himself in the calls, even spelling out his name in a message.
In court, a federal prosecutor said Morelli had a history of threats and was “seeking confrontation with an authority figure,” according to the Syracuse Post-Standard.
Morelli’s defense attorney argued that the threats were due to his mental health, and that he suffered from bipolar disorder.
While Morelli did not purchase a gun or make any actions consistent with committing acts of violence against Greene, he easily could have, the prosecutor argued.
Greene wants the man to pay $66,000 in restitution to pay for increased security at her Georgia home including a fence and security cameras. That will be decided at a later court appearance.
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