James Schmidlin, 40, of Cleveland was arrested late last year by Bradley County Sheriff’s deputies and charged with making an arson threat by phone against Democratic U.S. Rep. John Boccieri of the Canton, Ohio, area, according to Associated Press reports previously published in the Banner. The federal indictment was unsealed in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Ohio.
“The threatening call was made around March 4, 2010, amid the heated congressional debate on President Barack Obama’s health care plan,” according to the charges and AP reporting.
Boccieri was one of eight Democrats who switched positions and voted in favor of the president’s proposal, according to AP.
According to reports, federal prosecutors are recommending 14 months in prison, which is the maximum under federal sentencing guidelines.
AP reports indicated prosecutors don’t believe Schmidlin has fully accepted responsibility.
The reports also noted Schmidlin’s public defender has asked for probation.
