PHOENIX (LAWFUEL) – A federal jury in Phoenix has found Kurt William Havelock, 36, of Tempe, Ariz. guilty on six counts of Mailing Threatening Communications in connection with an investigation into his threats to injure people in the vicinity of Super Bowl XLII in February 2008. Havelock remains in federal custody and is set to be sentenced in front of U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver on August 25, 2008.
United States Attorney Diane J. Humetewa said after the verdict, “threatening to kill random victims at a mass public event caused thousands of innocent people to fear for their safety. Anyone considering actions like Mr. Havelock took here also should consider that this office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the fine work of federal and local law enforcement agencies, whose efforts on this case ensured the safety of all during the Super Bowl events.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to partner with fellow law enforcement agencies to bring those to justice who use our nation’s mail system to mail threatening communications,” said Pete Zegarac, Phoenix Division Inspector in Charge. “Our participation in this investigation underscores our agency’s commitment to protect the Postal Service and its customers.”
John Lewis, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Phoenix stated that, “In today’s society violent threats against the public will be investigated to the fullest extent of the law. The guilty verdict of Kurt William Havelock shows that these types of threats will not be tolerated. Through the dedicated hard work of our Agents and our law enforcement partners, evidence was provided that resulted in the conviction of Mr. Havelock.”
The charges alleged that Havelock mailed threatening letters to various media outlets including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Phoenix New Times, containing threats to kill people in the vicinity of Super Bowl XLII played in Glendale, Ariz. The threatening letters were mailed from a Post Office in Glendale but were intercepted by law enforcement prior to reaching the intended recipients.
A conviction for Mailing Threatening Communications carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine or both. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Silver will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.
The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Tempe Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Michael T. Morrissey, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.
CASE NUMBER: CR-08-0116-PHX-ROS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-149(Havelock)
